Former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro has opened up on the emotional moment that pushed Ademola Lookman away from England and into Nigeria’s arms.
According to Peseiro, the London-born forward was deeply hurt after repeatedly being overlooked by England’s senior team despite shining at youth level. Lookman had progressed through England’s U19, U20, and U21 sides — even lifting the U20 World Cup — but the long-awaited senior call-up never came.
Peseiro disclosed that the talented attacker struggled to understand why his development suddenly stalled in the national setup. He believed he had earned a future with England, yet the invitations stopped. The disappointment, Peseiro said, weighed heavily on him.
Eventually, FIFA cleared Lookman to switch allegiance in 2022, and he embraced Nigeria — the homeland of his parents.
Now playing for Atlético Madrid, Lookman has turned that rejection into motivation. Since joining the Super Eagles, he has been directly involved in 11 goals in just 13 appearances, proving his decision may have been destiny.
And if you ask Peseiro? England might just regret letting him slip away.
