The agent of Nigeria international forward Ademola Lookman says former coach of the senior national team of England Gareth Southgate warned Lookman about committing his international future to Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Southgate upon taking over as coach of England in 2018 after making the step up as England U21 coach, while Lookman was on loan to German side RB Leipzig from Everton.
Lookman was assured that he has a bright future with England, and Southgate in a press conference openly spoke about how aggressive Nigeria were in trying to lure the then 20 year old Lookman.
“I know every country is quite aggressive in their recruiting and I know they have always had an interest in him, but he is playing and has been in our squads, the 20s, 21s.
“So in terms of encouragement through game time, we are doing as much as we possibly can,” Southgate told the UK Mirror.
However Lookman decided to pursue his international career with Nigeria, and has since been to two AFCONs and also won the Africa Player of the year award.
” It was an issue back then because Southgate said it in the open and it naturally puts Lookman in the spotlight. I recall that interview very well but you would agree with me that playing for the Super Eagles has been the best decision taken by Lookman. The evidence is there and he said it a lot of times”, his representative told OwnGoalNigeria.com.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
