Former Nigeria Football Federation boss Amaju Pinnick has discussed the challenges he faced in persuading Ademola Lookman to play for the Super Eagles.
The Atalanta forward emerged as one of the standout performers in the Super Eagles team during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast.
He netted three goals during the Super Eagles' second-place finish and was among the three players from the team named in the CAF's Team of the Tournament.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Lookman's application to represent Nigeria was sanctioned by FIFA in February 2022.
He made his debut on March 25, 2022, during Nigeria's goalless draw against Ghana in the third round of African qualification matches for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The struggle Nigeria face in recruiting foreign-born Super Eagles
Pinnick reflected on the challenges encountered in persuading players to switch their allegiance to Nigeria, particularly highlighting the arduous process involved in bringing Ademola Lookman on board.
He emphasised the complexities and political dynamics surrounding Lookman's decision, acknowledging the intricate family dynamics at play.
Pinnick revealed that despite the hurdles faced, Lookman's eventual commitment to Nigeria was a significant achievement. He reiterated the notion that football is an ongoing journey, recognising Lookman and other players as valuable assets to the federation.
Pinnick stated, “It is also true that I was instrumental to some of the players switching to Nigeria. Ademola Lookman, for example, it was hell for us bringing him to Nigeria. There was a lot of politics involved. There is a lot of intrigue and family dynamism. But like I said earlier, football is a continuum. I will not say I brought them because today they are an asset to the federation.”
It's noteworthy that Lookman had declined the opportunity to represent the Super Eagles back in 2017 when approached by then Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr.
In 2018, he once again declined Nigeria's offer after meeting with Pinnick, who was the NFF President at the time. Then, in September 2018, Lookman rejected Nigeria's advances for the third time, this time after England senior manager Gareth Southgate convinced him that he had a role in his plans.
Lookman represented England at underage level
Ademola Lookman earned his initial international call-up when he was included in the England U19 squad for Mexico. Later, he secured a spot in the squad for the European U19 Championships that same summer. Lookman was also chosen for the England under-20 team for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
During the tournament, he netted three goals, including a brace against Costa Rica in round 16 and another goal against Italy in the semi-finals. England emerged triumphant, defeating Venezuela 1–0 in the final, marking their first global tournament victory since the 1966 World Cup.
Lookman received his debut call-up for the England under-21s during European Championship qualifiers against the Netherlands under-21s and Latvia under-21s in September 2017.
He made his debut appearance in the first match, assisting Dominic Calvert-Lewin for England's goal in a 1–1 draw.
The 26-year-old has since made 19 appearances for the Super Eagles and has five goals to his credit.
