Peseiro Opens Up on Lookman’s England Snub, Says Nigeria Star Turned Pain into Motivation
Former Super Eagles head coach José Peseiro has shared fresh insight into Ademola Lookman’s emotional journey before committing his international future to Nigeria, revealing that the Atlético Madrid forward felt deeply disappointed after being overlooked by England at senior level.
Lookman, born in London to Nigerian parents, rose through England’s youth ranks, representing the U19, U20 and U21 teams and playing a key role in their 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph. Despite his steady progress, a senior call-up never came — a situation Peseiro says left the talented winger confused and frustrated.
Speaking with Marca, the Portuguese tactician explained that Lookman struggled to understand why his development stalled internationally. According to Peseiro, the player believed he had done enough to earn a place with England’s senior squad but eventually had to accept a different path. FIFA approved his nationality switch in February 2022, allowing him to represent Nigeria — a decision that has since reshaped his career.
Since choosing the Super Eagles, Lookman’s impact has been immediate. The dynamic forward has contributed directly to 11 goals in just 13 appearances, scoring six times and providing five assists. His recent move to Atlético Madrid further signals his growth, as he continues to establish himself among Europe’s elite attackers. Remarkably, he also made history recently by becoming the first English-born player to feature across the Premier League, Serie A, Bundesliga and La Liga.
From an opinion standpoint, Lookman’s story feels like a powerful reminder of how rejection can sometimes redirect a player toward a greater purpose. International football is filled with tough choices, especially for dual-nationality players balancing identity and opportunity. England’s hesitation may have opened the door for Nigeria to gain a player whose creativity and confidence have added a fresh dimension to the Super Eagles’ attack.
Peseiro’s comments also reflect a broader trend in modern football — where players increasingly seek environments that value their potential rather than waiting endlessly for recognition. For Nigeria, Lookman’s decision has proven to be a blessing, giving the team a versatile forward capable of influencing games at the highest level.
As he continues to shine in Spain, the narrative around Lookman is no longer about what England lost but about what Nigeria gained. His journey from disappointment to resurgence shows that in football, the right choice is not always the most obvious one — sometimes it is the one that allows a player to truly feel seen, trusted and ready to flourish on the biggest stages.
