Rohr asked NFF to step up pursuit of Ademola Lookman and Seyi Ojo as Nations Cup looms

SUPER Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has directed the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to commence the pursuit of Ademola Lookman and Seyi Ojo with a view to getting them to switch their allegiances to Nigeria.

 

Ojo, 21, was a member of the victorious England U20 team that lifted the World Cup in 2017 when they beat Venezuela in the final in South Korea. Since joining Liverpool as a 14 year old, Ojo, who is currently on loan to French club Reims, has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels.

 

Lookman, 20, is also currently an England youth international, having played for the English U21 team after joining Everton from Charlton Athletic. He is currently out on loan to German side RB Leipzig, where he career has blossomed since he began seeing regular action at the club, which is keen to sign him permanently.

 

In September, Lookman confirmed that he is willing to consider playing for Nigeria having been approached by Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr. However, England manager Southgate, vowed to prevent Lookman switching his allegiance to Nigeria, saying he had plans for him over the long term.

 

Aware that the race to get both players will be fierce, Mr Rohr has asked the NFF to submit their paperwork to Fifa, so they can change their nationality. Fifa rules demand that a player who has featured for the youth team of one nation needs to formally change his nationality with the association before featuring for another country.

 

Mr Rohr said: "I already asked the NFF to start the process of making ‎both Lookman and Ojo to be able to play for the Super Eagles a month ago."

 

NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi, added: "We are still looking at the modalities. We will discuss with the coach to know what to do next but we have not gone far on the issue.”

 

Nigeria plays South Africa this Saturday in an African Nations Cup qualifier and three days later faces Uganda in a friendly at Uyo. Although it will be too early for both players to make this game, the NFF and Mr Rohr will be hoping that they are available for the tournament proper next year.

 

South Africa has received a huge injury boost ahead of Saturday's game with Thulani Serero and Thamsanqa Mkhize returning from injury. South Africa’s team doctor, Dr Thulani Ngwenya said that apart from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who had a minor injury and will be monitored in the next few days, the hosts have no new injury worries ahead of their clash with Gernot Rohr’s side.

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