Bitrus Bewarang, the National Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), says the Federation wants to persuade 19-year-old Everton FC striker Ademola Lookman to play for Nigeria rather than England. Lookman was born in England but can play for Nigeria through his parents. He has already played for the England Under-19s and U-20s but can switch allegiances because he is yet to play for the senior side. “He has Nigerian parents and we’d need to speak to him first,” Bewarang said in an interview. Lookman moved to Everton from Charlton earlier this month in a deal that could eventually cost £11 million (about N5.5 billion). He made a goalscoring debut in the side’s 4-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday and has caught the attention of Bewarang. “I saw him against Manchester City and I was excited to see a young player of Nigerian descent shine. So, I thought why not,” said Bewarang. Ademola Lookman “It is the duty of the national coach (Gernot Rohr) to invite players to the national team, but we will help him check Lookman’s eligibilty.” Nigeria have previously succeeded in snapping up former England youth internationals like Sone Aluko, Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi and Alex Iwobi for the Super Eagles. Bewerang, who succeeded the late Shaibu Amodu as NFF’s technical director in July, is hoping that such an illustrious list could help convince Lookman to play for the three-time African champions. “We’ve managed to get players like Moses and Iwobi in the past and Lookman will be a great addition to the national team if we got him,” he said. “We have a young side. The new coach is building a strong squad and having some youngsters from the Premier League (Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi) could help his decision. “I am not desperate to see this happen but we will give it a shot.” Lookman scored 12 goals in 49 games for Charlton, who were relegated to League One at the end of last season. He won five England Under-19 caps before making three appearances for the Under-20s, scoring once.
meanwhile, the Everton rave of the moment, Lookman says he is happy representing the English national team, in his first interview since his goal scoring debut in Everton’s 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City. According to online reports there has been interest from Nigeria on holding talks with the talented 19 year old, who has represented England at various youth levels to switch to Nigeria at senior level, but it appears those speculations are way off the mark. Ademola Lookman Lookman on his part, while speaking on what prepared him for the goal scoring debut he had, pointed out the experience he had with the English youth team as one which prepared him for life in the Premier League. “I have progressed a lot the last few years, I have a very sweet experience at Charlton, learning and working my way up, which I believe is why am at Everton”, Lookman said. “Playing for England U-19s has also helped my career a lot. It got me exposed and there’s a whole joy that comes from playing international football, something I experienced with England”.
