Peseiro Says Lookman Chose Nigeria After England Snub

Former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has said Ademola Lookman decided to play for Nigeria after he failed to get a call-up from England.

Lookman was born in London to Nigerian parents and was eligible to play for both countries. He represented England at youth level and won the 2017 U-20 World Cup, scoring three goals in the tournament.

However, he switched his international allegiance to Nigeria in 2020 and made his senior debut in 2022.

Peseiro revealed that the winger was disappointed after England stopped calling him up.

“He was just a kid, but he always told me how sad he was because after winning the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and reaching the Under-21s, England stopped calling him up,” Peseiro said.

“He didn’t understand it; he thought he had a future there, but he had to accept it.

So, since his parents were Nigerian, he accepted the call a few months before I arrived.”

The Portuguese coach added that Lookman struggled at first with Nigeria but improved after he became a regular starter.

“Although he had made his debut, he didn’t always play. I saw his potential, made him a consistent starter, and he exploded,” Peseiro said.

“He began to have fantastic seasons and was crucial in getting us to the Africa Cup of Nations final and in Atalanta winning the Europa League with his three goals.”

Lookman has become one of Nigeria’s key players, scoring several goals and assists for the Super Eagles. He recently joined Atletico Madrid and is expected to play an important role for the Spanish club.