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By: Johnny Edward
Forward Ademola Lookman has admitted he feels the pressure of wearing the green and white jersey of the Super Eagles, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
In 2022, Lookman was cleared by FIFA to play for Nigeria at senior level having represented England at U-19, U-20 and U-21 level.
He joins former England youth internationals Sone Aluko, Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and most recently Ashleigh Plumptre, to swap allegiances to Nigeria.
The 26-year-old, who has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, where he has scored three goals plus one assist, is in contention for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Lookman scored Nigeria’s winner against Angola to make it three goals in his last two matches, having netted both Eagles goals in the last-16 victory over Cameroon.
His scoring feat saw him become the fourth Nigerian ever to score three or more goals in the knockout rounds of a single AFCON tournament. The other players are Odion Ighalo (2019), Austin Okocha (2004) and Rashidi Yekini (1994).
“I feel the pressure wearing this shirt,” the 26-year-old told BBC.
“Every single time I put on the jersey, that’s just what comes with being a Nigerian and playing for the country, so I’m proud to do that, to take that responsibility.”
Lookman will aim to add to his tally when Nigeria take on South Africa in the semi-final at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday, in search of their first AFCON title in 11 years.