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.