Ademola Lookman: Gernot Rohr Explains How He Persuaded Atalanta Forward to Represent Nigeria

• Ademola Lookman was the superstar for Atalanta in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League final
• The 26-year-old scored a brilliant hat-trick to clinch victory for Gian Piero Gasperini's side
• A former Super Eagles coach has detailed how he convinced the forward to play for Nigeria

Ademola Lookman's name continues to resonate throughout the footballing world following his outstanding hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

The dynamic forward ensured Atalanta tasted cup glory for the first time in over 62 years with a superb display on the night.

Lookman opened the scoring from inside the 18-yard box in the 12th minute off a pass from wing-back, Davide Zappacosta, before doubling his tally with a brilliant goal in the 26th minute.

Finidi George’s Contract Details Unveiled As NFF Sets Strict Target With Huge Salary

Football

The 26-year-old completed his near-perfect performance with another goal in the 75th minute to wrap up an emphatic display for the Serie A side.

In the aftermath of the match, former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, explained how he was able to convince the talented forward to switch international allegiance from the English national team to the Super Eagles.

Rohr speaks on Ademola Lookman's international switch

In an interview with OwnGoalNigeria, the Franco-German tactician emphasised his role in persuading Lookman to choose Nigeria over England for international football.

"Lookman was in my preliminary squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, before I was dismissed as coach of the Nigerian team.

The discussions with him took place while he was playing in the German Bundesliga with RB Leipzig.

It was a direct conversation, and I was eager to have him on my team, but unfortunately, I departed before he was cleared to play for the Super Eagles," he concluded.

Finidi George: Newly Appointed Head Coach Vows to Qualify Super Eagles for 2026 World Cup

Football

Lookman, who eventually made his debut for Nigeria in March 2022, has since represented the three-time Cup of Nations winners over 20 times, scoring six goals.

The forward, recently called up by current coach Finidi George, is expected to play a crucial role when Nigeria faces both South Africa and the Benin Republic in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualification series.

Finidi expresses confidence ahead of South Africa’s clash

In another report, Sports Brief stated that the coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Finidi, had expressed confidence ahead of their clash against South Africa.

The two African football powerhouses will face off in a FIFA World Cup qualification fixture on June 7.