- Former NFF president Amaju Pinnick shared the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to Ademola Lookman’s switch to Nigeria’s Super Eagles
- Lookman, who previously represented England at youth levels, debuted for Nigeria in March 2022 and recently won African Footballer of the Year
- Lookman became the sixth Nigerian to win African Footballer of the Year, following legends like Rashidi Yekini and Nwankwo Kanu
Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has revealed the extensive efforts that culminated in Ademola Lookman’s first competitive appearance for the Super Eagles in March 2022.
The revelation comes after Lookman was crowned African Footballer of the Year on Monday, December 16 in Morocco, a milestone Pinnick regards as validation of the groundwork laid during his tenure.
A staunch advocate for recruiting dual-nationality players, Pinnick oversaw the transition of several high-profile stars to Nigeria’s national team, including Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Joe Aribo, and Lookman. However, attempts to bring in other notable names such as Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, and Fikayo Tomori were unsuccessful.
Pinnick revealed that Lookman had been on the NFF’s radar for nearly six years before making his debut in a crucial 2022 World Cup qualifier against Ghana. Having represented England at youth levels, the Charlton Athletic graduate opted to pledge his allegiance to Nigeria, recognising limited opportunities within England’s senior team.
Gernot Rohr, then Super Eagles coach, had included Lookman in his provisional squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. However, the player’s switch of association was not finalised in time for the tournament in Cameroon. Pinnick recalled going above and beyond to ensure Lookman’s transition was successful, citing a specific instance when he met Lookman’s father to finalise critical documentation.
“There were documents and correspondence he needed. I had to rush to Ikoyi Club to meet his dad and personally ensure everything was sorted,” Pinnick said, speaking to a Nigerian sports journalist.
Lookman’s rise in African football mirrors the success of past Nigerian greats such as Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, and Nwankwo Kanu, making him the sixth Nigerian to receive the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award.
Reflecting on similar moments, Pinnick also recounted his influence in ensuring Ahmed Musa remained in the squad ahead of the 2018 World Cup despite the player’s struggles at Leicester City. Musa would go on to become one of Nigeria’s standout performers in Russia.
“This should serve as a tonic for greater things to come for Lookman,” Pinnick remarked, expressing pride in the forward’s achievements and optimism for his future contributions to Nigerian football.
Super Eagles star Lookman shares his next milestone after Ballon d'Or nomination
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, one of Nigeria’s biggest football talents, had set new goals after being nominated for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or and CAF Men's Player of the Year awards.
The Atalanta BC star has declared his ambition to lead Nigeria to the AFCON 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, building on his recent successes with both his club and national teams.
