Former Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro says Ademola Lookman committed his international future to the Super Eagles only after accepting that a senior England call-up was not forthcoming.
Lookman, born in London to Nigerian parents, represented England at youth level and was part of the squad that won the 2017 Under-20 World Cup. He progressed to the Under-21s and was widely regarded as a player with senior potential.
“He was just a kid, but he always told me how sad he was because after winning the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and reaching the Under-21s, England stopped calling him up,” Peseiro told Spanish newspaper Marca.
“He didn’t understand it; he thought he had a future there, but he had to accept it. So, since his parents were Nigerian, he accepted the call a few months before I arrived.”
Lookman. Photo Credit: Imago
Lookman formally switched allegiance in 2020 and made his Nigeria debut in March 2022.
When Peseiro took charge of the Super Eagles later that year, Lookman was still searching for consistency at international level.
“Although he had made his debut, he didn’t always play,” Peseiro said. “I saw his potential, made him a consistent starter, and he exploded.”
Ademola Lookman celebrating Super Eagles winner against Tanzania at AFCON 2025. Photo Credit
That breakthrough came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations his first major tournament for Nigeria where he emerged as one of the team’s most decisive attackers as they reached the final.
The Atlético Madrid forward has since recorded 11 goals and nine assists in 41 appearances for Nigeria, underlining his transformation from peripheral figure to central attacking presence.
Peseiro also rejected claims that Lookman has been difficult to handle, particularly following public tension with former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
“No, no, no, he’s very, very easy to manage, you just have to let him be. He’s very calm, he doesn’t act like a star. I was surprised when he responded to his coach.”
Lookman celebrating his first ever goal for Atlético Madrid. Photo Credit: Imago
On his preferred role, Peseiro suggested Lookman is most effective operating in the inside channels rather than hugging the touchline.
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“On the wing he’s unpredictable and makes good diagonal runs, but closer to goal he’s more decisive, when he sees space inside, he shoots, dribbles or assists.”
According to Peseiro the turning point in Lookman’s career was not tactical but emotional accepting that his international future lay elsewhere.
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“He thought he had a future with England,” he said. “But once he accepted the situation, he chose Nigeria and now he is one of its key players.”
