THE Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that FIFA has given Ademola Lookman clearance to play for the Super Eagles.
Naija Times reported yesterday that the on-loan Leicester City forward’s switch from England to Nigeria had been approved, and the NFF has now announced it and provided insight into how it was processed.
“The Nigeria Football Federation has received the decision of world football governing body, FIFA, that Leicester City FC of England player Ademola Lookman can now represent Nigeria at international level,” NFF stated on Thursday evening.
“Emilio Garcia Silveiro, FIFA’s Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, 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.'”
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, described the timeline of FIFA’s approval after Lookman displayed his desire to play international football for Nigeria.
The 24-year-old Lookman was born in London to Nigerian parents and played for England’s age-grade national teams, winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup with the Young Three Lions in 2017.
“We sent in the application on Wednesday night after putting all the necessary documentation together. We are happy to receive the approval today,” Sanusi said.
In December 2021, FIFA also approved the NFF’s application for the switch in allegiance for 23-year-old Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre to represent the Super Falcons.
