6 Nigerian-born players in England squad for tournament

Six Nigerian players have been included in the England squad for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup holding in South Korea.

Nigeria did not qualify for the U-20 World Cup 2017 FIFA U-20 after they crashed out to Sudan in the Africa qualifiers losing 2-3 on aggregate.

For England’s squad for the World Cup, six Nigerian born UK citizen in their squad.

In England’s Junior Three Lions squad revealed on Monday, May 8,  coach, Paul Simpson named Everton player Ademola Lookman, Ovie Ejaria and Sheyi Ojo (both from Liverpool) Dominic Solanke and Fikayo Tomori (from Chelsea) and Joshua Onomah of Tottenham Hotspurs.

Who are these players?

Ademola Lookman

Lookman is a 19-year-old who plays as a forward for Everton. The forward was born in Wandsworth, London to parents of Nigerian descent.

He represented England U-19s at the 2016 European U19 Championships. He has turned down the opportunity to represent Nigeria, choosing to switch his allegiance to England.

Ovie Ejaria

Ejaria is a midfielder who plays for Liverpool. Born to Nigerian parents, the 19-year-old trained with the Nigeria Under-17s team in 2013.

Although he committed to Nigeria, he accepted a call-up to the England U20 team in September 2016.

Sheyi Ojo

Ojo also plays for Liverpool joining them as a 14-year-old. Born to Nigerian parents, Ojo is eligible to represent both Nigeria and England.

He has so far played for England at under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels.

Dominic Solanke

19-year-old Dominic Solanke plays for Chelsea and has represented England at the Under-17 and U-19 levels. He has even trained with the England senior team.

He is also eligible to play for Nigeria through his descent.

Fikayo Tomori

Tomori was born to Nigerian parents in Canada but grew up in England making him eligible to play for the three countries.

He started off playing for the Canada Under-20 before he was called up for the England Under-19.

He is 19.

Joshua Onomah

Though born to Nigerian parents, Joshua Onomah has represented England from the Under-16s to U-20s.

The 20-year-old plays for Tottenham.