The Nigeria Football Federation, through the Super Eagles official Twitter account, has confirmed that Leicester City winger Ademola Lookman has changed his association from England to Nigeria, making him eligible to be fielded for the upcoming 2022 World Cup playoff matches with regional rivals Ghana next month. 

Lookman was a player of interest to erstwhile Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr and it is confirmed that the German named him in the country's provisional squad list for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations but was omitted from the final roster because he was not yet cleared by Fifa to represent Nigeria.

Born in London, England to Nigerian parents, Lookman was an influential member of the Young Lions squad that won the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup, scoring three goals in six appearances during the tournament in South Korea.

Five years ago, former Nigeria coach Rohr had contacted Lookman, through an intermediary, regarding the possibility of representing Nigeria with a view to naming him in the squad for a friendly against Senegal but the winger declined the offer as he wanted to play for the England U20s at the World Cup.

Many Super Eagles fans are of the opinion that Lookman expressed an interest in joining the Super Eagles now only because he fell out of favour for England, bearing in mind he's no longer age-eligible for the Young Lions and not in the plans of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

Here's how they responded to Thursday's announcement by the Nigerian Federation :

@fashakin87 : "Who will he bench in this our squad now. Why did he went for England first".

@emekauwadinma : "The fact that Nigeria is his second choice makes me sick".

@mmgbenusola : "Shebi lookman wanted to play for England before. He wanted to chill with the big boys".

@psamuellat : "As he see say he no fit enter england squard he change come Nigeria shap shap".

@Baba_Nla_Tmj : "Since England no show love, make we show ahm love".

@aai_omnipro : "Am not too excited for these players that got rejected and opt to play for us as last resort. No hearts whatsoever. Especially all these ones them born abroad that thinks themselves oyibo."

@abdulnasir_musa : "somebody that is claiming to be an english person? let’s be realistic please. Afterall, it isn’t something to be happy about, build those that are there first. my take"

@Ajunwastanley : "It’s good he’s sat down to reasonably tell himself the truth he’s been lying to himself all the time. It’s obvious he’s not going to make the English  National football team anytime soon and he suddenly remembers he would fit in with the Super Eagles of Nigeria".

@senseideime :"Good signing but I’m getting tired of Nigeria being the second option."

@oluwasholaore10 : "Calling this guy to the national team is a big disrespect to Nigeria. Same person that reject the super eagles back then Person facepalming now that he has no place in england team".

@just_aoj :"Something wey no make sense! He denied Nigeria to play for the upper hand and now he's coming to Nigeria and you're welcoming him."

@just_mayor : "Poor guy. He’s finally realized that precious England call up ain’t coming up anytime soon. Brilliant decision by the way and welcome bro".

@Yinkzworld2 : "? don clear for Luku eyes. England team will not come for him... Well he should earn his place like others did, no favoritism is allowed."

@LeKpedekpo : "I don't mean to be rude be these guys always wait until they can't make it to the England team to play for Nigeria.. Same in other African countries .."

@Ephraim452 : "Use yourself as the context what would you do if you have the chance to play for England and Nigeria who would you chose ?"

Ifeanyi Emmanuel