Former England youth player Ademola Lookman says he is eager to wear the Super Eagles jersey following the approval of his request to switch nationality.
The winger expressed his delight after being granted permission by football governing body FIFA to represent Nigeria, the country of birth of his parents.
The Leicester City winger had in January 2020 put in place requirements to switch his international commitment to the Eagles but had to wait until Thursday when his request was approved by FIFA.
The 24-year-old, who was born in Wandsworth, South West London, had already featured for England at U-19, U-20, and U-21 categories but remained eligible to play for Nigeria owing to the fact that he was yet to turn out for the Three Lions.
The Nigeria Football Federation were hopeful of having the Leicester City player available for the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and initially had him shortlisted in the Eagles squad for the tournament but unfortunately did not make the final list because his request to switch nationality had not sanctioned by FIFA at the time.
The football governing body however on Thursday announced that the 24-year-old request to switch nationality was approved.
Lookman took to his Twitter handle to express his delight while adding he was eager to feature for the Eagles.
“Delighted to announce that FIFA has approved my Nationality switch. Thank you for the warm welcome and I can’t wait to put on the Super Eagles shirt and represent the country,” he wrote on his official account.
Lookman will hope to earn his maiden call-up and probably make his international debut when Nigeria play Ghana in the World Cup play-offs next month for a slot in Qatar.
