The Real Reason Ademola Lookman Chose Nigeria Over England, Says Peseiro

Former Super Eagles manager, Jose Peseiro, has shed light on the circumstances that led to Ademola Lookman’s decision to represent Nigeria, despite his earlier involvement with England’s youth teams.

Lookman, a key member of England’s FIFA U-20 World Cup-winning squad in 2017, reportedly declined Nigeria’s overtures on three separate occasions before ultimately committing to the West African nation in January 2020.

Peseiro revealed that Lookman’s choice was primarily influenced by his inability to secure a place in the senior England squad. Peseiro recounted to Marca:

“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.”

“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.”

Peseiro further highlighted his role in Lookman’s burgeoning international career, emphasising the increased playing opportunities he provided during his tenure.

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

Under Peseiro’s guidance, Lookman’s performances flourished, proving instrumental in Nigeria reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final and contributing significantly to Atalanta’s Europa League triumph with a hat-trick. Peseiro concluded by acknowledging Lookman’s rise to prominence alongside Victor Osimhen:

“Osimhen was the star, but he hasn’t been far behind; he’s even scored more goals (Lookman has six in 13 games, compared to the Galatasaray striker’s five in 14). Now they’re both stars.”