'I'm familiar with the people' - Lookman explains why he switched allegiance from England to Nigeria

Ademola Lookman has explained why he decided to play for Nigeria after previously wearing the colours of England's underage sides from June 2016 to March 2019.

The Leicester City winger and five other players of Nigerian descent Fikayo Tomori, Josh Onomah, Ovie Ejaria, Sheyi Ojo and Dominic Solakne helped England to win the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup.

Lookman made the step up to England U21s after the tournament in South Korea but was unable to crack the senior team led by Gareth Southgate before deciding to submit a request for a one-time change of association to Fifa.

Born in London, the former Charlton Athletic wonderkid is eligible to play international football for the Super Eagles through his parents,

On the reason behind his choice, Lookman said to CAF's official website : "I am very excited to be part of Nigeria's National team and I'm feeling blessed and looking forward to helping the team

"Both my parents are Nigerians and I've always seen these [representing Nigeria] as a possibility. I came to Nigeria, frequently when I was much younger.

"I am familiar with the people and built up a family here, so the switch from England to Nigeria is not an unusual one for me. I am glad I made the switch."

Lookman made his Super Eagles debut off the bench in the goalless draw against Ghana in Kumasi, coming off the bench as a 74th minute replacement for Moses Simon.

Igho Kingsley