Leicester City Rue Losing Nigerian Trio to Africa Cup of Nations

Leicester City are already going to have around a month without Nigerian duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, and also Ghana’s Daniel Amartey and Papy Mendy of Senegal when the African Cup of Nations tournament kicks off at the start of the new year.

But the Foxes could see another player join the quartet at the tournament in Cameroon, with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) keen to get Ademola Lookman signed up.

The on-loan winger, who scored in City’s Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out win over Brighton in midweek, grew up in Wandsworth and has represented England at Under-21 level, but owing to his Nigerian parents he is also eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

Amaju Pinnick, president of the NFF, wrote on social media this week: “Ademola Lookman is excited about fighting for a shirt in the Super Eagles. He loves Nigeria. By His Grace we shall conclude the switch very soon.”

Pinnick was in Leicester to see two of Nigeria’s regulars in Ndidi and Iheanacho. Ndidi is currently out with a hamstring injury, and Pinnick is hoping he is fit for the November international break, when the Super Eagles play Liberia and Cape Verde in World Cup qualifying.

“Wilfred is recuperating from an injury that has kept him out for about five weeks,” Pinnick said.

“Being a very key player for the Super Eagles, we cannot afford to toy with our last two games.

“Ndidi has been an integral, committed and passionate member of the Super Eagles.

“The good news is that his second scan came out very good so he starts training with his club.”