NFF 'excited' to get Ademola Lookman

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed "excitement" and "delight" after former England youth international Ademola Lookman was cleared by Fifa to play for Nigeria at senior level.

Football's world governing body, Fifa, approved the 24-year-old's switch from England, for whom he helped win the Under-20 World Cup in 2017.

The Leicester City forward was eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his parents and the clearance means that he could play in the two-legged 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana next month.

"We are excited about this positive news because it comes as a major boost for the national team," NFF director of communications, Ademola Olajire, told BBC Sport Africa.

"He's now eligible to play for Nigeria starting with next month's matches, but a decision whether to invite him or not is the sole responsibility of the coach.

"Lookman is a great addition to the Super Eagles and after a long wait, we are delighted that he can finally play for us."

Nigeria have previously succeeded in convincing several former England youth internationals, such as Sone Aluko, Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and most recently Ashleigh Plumtre, to swap allegiances.

Meanwhile, the trio of Sheyi Ojo (Millwall), Ovie Ejaria (Reading) and Chuba Akpom (PAOK), born in England to Nigerian parents, have also made themselves available to the three-time African champions. ,