Afrigather Tremendous Eagles ahead, Ademola Olajade Lookman, has revealed he at all times felt a powerful pull to Nigeria even when he performed for England, Soccernet.ng studies.
The 27-year-old began his Worldwide profession with the Three Lions of England, representing the youth staff at a number of tournaments, enjoying on the UEFA U-19 Championships, the U-21 Euro event, earlier than successful the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017 alongside Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Regardless of his success with the English youth staff, a call-up to the senior staff by no means got here, and he selected to symbolize the Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria in 2022, when he was 24-years-old.
The Atalanta man revealed it wasn’t a straightforward resolution as he at all times felt torn between two worlds, however remained grateful for the love he’s been proven by the Nigerian group.
“I’ve at all times been Nigerian. I’ve at all times been in contact with Nigeria, with the group of individuals and the tradition. They have been very welcoming, very loving and took me in as one in every of their very own. For me it’s a dream and an honour to be right here, to have the ability to have that badge on my chest.
I’ve at all times type of had two personalities on and off the pitch. Off the pitch, I’m very reserved, don’t actually converse a lot, however on the pitch, I’ve the fireplace, I’m nonetheless attempting to realize, and to do extra. I’m by no means actually happy. That’s at all times my mindset, to at all times go for extra,” the previous Everton man mentioned in an interview with BBC Africa.
Ademola Lookman ended up in 14th place within the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings after an excellent yr with membership and nation.
