Leicester winger Lookman forced to wait for Nigeria debut after switch from England

Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman has decided to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria from England, but will have to wait before making his debut.

The 24-year-old helped England win the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 but is eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

Despite opting to represent Nigeria, the country’s football federation (NFF) is yet to apply to FIFA for a nationality switch because he has played for England at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level.

“We are aware of Lookman’s desire to play for us and I have spoken to him as well. However, there is a process to it,” NFF chief scout Tunde Adelakun told BBC Sport Africa.

“After this process, then comes the consideration and decision of the head coach [Gernot Rohr] on whether or when he deems it fit to get him involved.”

Lookman would face competition from Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu of Bordeaux and Lorient’s Terem Moffi for a place in the squad, if he gets clearance from FIFA to play for Nigeria.

He has scored twice in nine appearances since joining Leicester City on a season-long loan from German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in August.