Ex-Charlton ace has won three England Under-20 caps as well as five for Under-19s, but nation of parents’ birth set to swoop
NIGERIAN FA chiefs have launched an audacious bid to poach Everton starlet Ademola Lookman from under England’s noses.
The London-born striker, 19, scored on his Toffees debut in their 4-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday.
Lookman, a £7.5million buy from Charlton, has won England Under-20 caps, but he could yet switch allegiance to his parents’ birthplace – and Nigerian officials plan to call him up.
Nigerian Football Federation technical director Bitrus Bewarang said: “I saw Lookman against Manchester City, when he scored a beautiful goal.
“We are taking note of him because he can be called up.
“We have to talk to him and convince him to play for Nigeria.
It would be a good development for Nigerian football.
“The Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has been combing Europe for youthful players.
“We will try to draw his attention to Lookman if he doesn’t know him already.”
Lookman scored 12 goals in 49 games for Charlton before moving to Goodison Park a fortnight ago in a deal that could eventually cost £11m.
He won five England Under-19 caps before making three appearances, scoring once, for the Under-20s.
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