The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has approved an application by a former England youth player, Ademola Lookman, to switch his allegiance to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, confirmed that the 24-year-old striker has now been cleared by FIFA to wear the Nigerian jersey.
Pinnick tweeted, “I’m also glad to announce that the work we’ve put in has ensured that on-loan Leicester City winger, Ademola Lookman’s application to change his nationality and represent Nigeria has been approved by FIFA.
“Lookman was part of England’s title win at the 2017 U-20 World Cup & brings a winning mentality to our team. I can’t wait to see him make our Super Eagles that more formidable.”
On Thursday, FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Emilio Garcia Silveiro, had conveyed to the NFF the decision of the Single Judge of the Status Chamber of the Football Tribunal.
Silveiro said, “The request made by the NFF – Nigeria Football Federation for a change of association of the player Ademola Olajide Lookman is accepted.
“The player Ademola Olajide Lookman is eligible to play for the representative teams of the NFF – Nigeria Football Federation with immediate effect.”
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi lauded the record-time approval granted the fresh application by FIFA with regards to Lookman’s desire to wear the green-white-green in the international sphere.
Sanusi said: “We sent in the application on Wednesday night after putting all the necessary documentation together. We are happy to receive the approval today.”
Lookman was born in Peckham, London, to his Nigerian parents in 1997. Although he represented England at the U20 World Cup in 2017, he is yet to make an appearance for the Three Lions.
Lookman is also on loan at the King Power Stadium from RB Leipzig, having previously represented Everton and Charlton Athletic.
KanyiDaily recalls that in December 2021, FIFA also approved the NFF’s application for the switch in allegiance for Ashleigh Megan Plumptre to represent Nigeria internationally.
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