Rohr Backs Lookman to Ditch England for Nigeria

Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr is hoping Ademola Lookman will switch allegiance to represent the Super Eagles.

The forward currently features for England at youth level and had helped them to win the U20 World Cup in 2017. However, he is still eligible to represent his parents’ country, Nigeria.

The 21-year-old was impressive on loan with German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig last season though he has struggled for game time since he joined Everton in 2017 from Charlton Athletic.

However, the 65-year-old gaffer is confident that the youngster will add value to his team, although, aware that the process can be tedious.

“He plays for the youth now but we hope he can change his mind and play for us,” Rohr told BBC Sport.

“He’s a player we know can add something to the team.

“Getting a player to change his national choice is not easy, quick and the process is never so straightforward.

“First we must be sure he wants to come. And hope to get it cleared by FIFA.

“Then the most important part is that he brings something new, different and better than we have.”

With Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Henry Onyekuru and Samuel Kalu impressing on the wings, the German tactician is upbeat that the addition of the forward will give him more options up front.

“Every coach wants options, we’ve been lucky to get some players and if we get him, Lookman will give us more options,” he continued.

“But we have to be careful about how we go about this because Nigeria have some good players at home and playing outside.”

Previously, the Nigeria Football Federation had successfully persuaded former England youth internationals Sone Aluko, Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi, Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina to play for the country.