Nigeria will still push for England youth team duo of Dominic Solanke and Ademola Lookman to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles despite their initial refusal, coach of the Nigerian team Gernot Rohr has confirmed.
Lookman in the words of coach of England U21s Aidy Bothroyd has pledged his international future to the Three Lions despite pressure from Nigeria, who were keen on having him play for their senior national team.
Solanke is also a youth international for England and Rohr confirmed he has also turned down Nigeria’s approach to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles but the handler of the Super Eagles insist they will continue to push for the duo to have a change of heart.
The coach made this known in the parley he had with some sports editors in Lagos last week while responding to a question on why he appears not to be making headway with some players he want to cap at senior level for Nigeria.
“In Ola Aina’s case it took eight months because in UK four federations in the country must decide. It is easier with other countries like Germany and Austria. I spoke with Kevin Akpoguma’s father and he said Kevin should make the decision himself. And Kevin told me he is not ready yet.
“Ademola Lukman and Solanke are not convinced. They have not made up their minds so we will allow then to decide. We will go back to them later, but we cannot force anybody to play for us. It is very important decisions for them to make. Noah Bazee is also on our radar.”
