BREAKING: FIFA clears Ademola Lookman to represent Nigeria

World football governing body, FIFA, has cleared Leicester City FC of England player, Ademola Lookman, to represent Nigeria at the international level.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed this in a statement by its Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, on Thursday.

According to the statement, FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Emilio Garcia Silveiro, on Thursday, conveyed to the NFF the decision of the Single Judge of the Status Chamber of the Football Tribunal: “The request made by the NFF – Nigeria Football Federation for a change of association of the player Ademola Olajide Lookman is accepted.

“The player Ademola Olajide Lookman is eligible to play for the representative teams of the NFF – Nigeria Football Federation with immediate effect.”

Reacting to this development, the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, hailed the record-time approval granted the fresh application by FIFA on Lookman’s desire to wear the green-white-green shirt at the international sphere.

He said, “We sent in the application on Wednesday night after putting all the necessary documentation together. We are happy to receive the approval today.”

Lookman was born in south London. He qualified to play for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian parents.

He received his first international call-up when he was named in the England U19 squad named for Mexico.

He was subsequently named to the squad for the European U19 Championships that summer.

Lookman was selected in the England under-20 team for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

He scored three goals in the tournament, two against Costa Rica in the last 16 and one goal against Italy in the semi-finals.

Recall that in December 2021, FIFA also approved the NFF’s application for the switch in allegiance for Ashleigh Megan Plumptre to represent Nigeria internationally.

Both Lookman and Plumptre had represented England at various junior cadres.