Lookman’s CAF Victory: A Story of Embracing Nigerian Heritage

In football, nationality is more than a legal tie, it’s an identity, a legacy, and often, a springboard to international stardom. For players of Nigerian descent, the choice to represent the Super Eagles is often complicated with hopes and struggles. Despite Nigeria’s rich football heritage, many eligible players have hesitated or completely refused to commit, opting to seek chances with top European national teams. Sadly, this risk sometimes backfires, leaving them with unfulfilled international records.

The case of Ademola Lookman serves as a powerful counterpoint to this trend. Having initially played for England’s youth teams and sought the call up to represent the English Senior team. Lookman made the crucial decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria in 2022. Two years later, he is one of Africa’s brightest stars, leading the Super Eagles to prominence and winning the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award in 2024. Lookman’s decision underscores the rewards of embracing one’s roots and highlights the perils of hesitation for others who may find themselves overlooked by the European teams they aspire to represent.

Hence, this piece is set to examine and critique the stories of players who refused to represent Nigeria, the challenges they face, and the lessons they can learn from Lookman’s remarkable journey.

Ademola Lookman: A Tale of Redemption

Ademola Lookman was born and raised in London, representing England in various youth setups, including the U-20 team that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017. With stiff competition in England’s senior squad—featuring wingers like Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden, Lookman realized that breaking into the Three Lions setup would be a very difficult task and the passion to have an international career. In 2022, Lookman made the bold decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria, despite doubts and criticism from fans and pundits.

Fast forward to 2024, and Lookman is at the peak of his career. The Atalanta forward was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the 2024 AFCON final, scoring critical goals and providing leadership in key moments. At the club level, his performances have been exceptional. Lookman scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final, helping Atalanta secure their first major European trophy. His exploits earned him the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s finest players.

Lookman’s journey sets a model pf the benefits of seizing the opportunity to represent a country that values your talents. His decision has not only elevated his career but also inspired a generation of Nigerian players to prioritize opportunities over prestige.

Missed Opportunities: Players Who Waited Too Long

While Lookman’s story is one of triumph, others tell a tale of missed opportunities. Some players eligible for Nigeria have turned down invitations, waiting for a call-up from European nations, only to find themselves excluded from those squads. These cases highlight the dangers of gambling on an uncertain future.

Tammy Abraham (England)

Tammy Abraham, born to Nigerian parents, was one of the most sought-after young strikers in the Premier League during his breakthrough season with Chelsea. Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) made several attempts to convince him to represent the Super Eagles, but Abraham held out for England, eventually earning a few call ups mostly international friendlies.

However, since moving to Italian Serie A, Abraham’s England appearances have dwindled. Despite a productive first season with Roma, he was excluded from the 2022 World Cup squad and remains on the extreme of Gareth Southgate’s plans. Had he chosen Nigeria, Abraham would have been a guaranteed starter, potentially creating a deadly attacking partnership with Victor Osimhen and helping the Super Eagles compete for continental and global glory.

Fikayo Tomori (England)

Another example is Fikayo Tomori, a talented central defender with Nigerian roots. Like Abraham, Tomori represented England at youth levels and even earned a few senior caps. Despite excelling for AC Milan in Serie A, Tomori has struggled to become a regular for England or even get called up for international duty, often overlooked in favor of less experienced players like Marc Guehi.

For Nigeria, Tomori could have been a cornerstone in a defense that has long sought stability. Instead, he remains an overlooked player for England, with his international future uncertain.

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Eberechi Eze (England)

Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze is another player who chose to hold out for England. While his talent is undeniable, Eze has yet to establish himself in the Three Lions’ setup, with only a handful of caps to his name mostly coming from the bench. Nigeria under Gernot Rohr and later on with Austin Eguavoen pursued him actively, envisioning him as a creative force in their midfield.

As England’s talent pool increases, Eze risks being left out of major tournaments, whereas with Nigeria, he could have been a star player, commanding the midfield, partnering with Alex Iwobi or linking up with Lookman and Osimhen in a formidable attacking trio.

Why Some Players Hesitate

Many reasons have appeared to make dual nationality players either with Nigerian descent or with other African countries to remain relunctant in grabbing their ancestry and playing for the country of their roots. One of such reason is representing countries like England or Germany often comes with greater global recognition and commercial benefits.

Another is the infrastructural and organizational problems affecting the Nigerian Football Federation as well as football federations from other African countries. The NFF has been criticized for its lack of professionalism, including delayed bonuses, poor travel arrangements, and inadequate facilities, mostly due to corruption.

Lessons from Lookman’s Redemption Journey

Ademola Lookman’s success offers an ideal plan for dual-nationality players, to make that move in switching allegiance to Nigeria; Choosing Nigeria guarantees regular international appearances, which are crucial for development and exposure.

Moreover, Lookman’s CAF Player of the Year award is proof that playing for Nigeria can elevate a player’s career on the global stage. Again, representing Nigeria is not just about football, it’s about connecting with one’s heritage and becoming a national hero.

Lookman’s decision also highlights the fact that waiting for European nations often comes with risks. The competition for spots in these teams is fierce, and opportunities are limited. In contrast, Nigeria offers a platform to build a legacy and inspire millions of fans.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

For Nigeria to attract more dual-nationality players, systemic reforms are essential. The NFF must improve its infrastructure, organization, and player welfare to make the Super Eagles an appealing choice. At the same time, players must recognize that international careers are as well very important to have, and opportunities should not be ignored or wasted.

Ademola Lookman’s story is a shining example of the rewards that come with embracing one’s heritage. As the Super Eagles continue their rise, eligible players must a decision in their football career, either to remain hesitant with the glooming hope of playing for a top European country or switch over and enjoy an impressive international football career.