Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has shared insights on the role he played in convincing Ademola Lookman to choose Nigeria over England.

The 71-year-old has disclosed that he spent more than two years convincing the English-born Nigerian international to snub the Three Lions and represent the Super Eagles.

The current Benin Republic head coach added that he included the former Leicester City loanee in his provisional squad for the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

“It began in 2020, and the approval came in 2022, after I had stepped down as coach,” Rohr told OwnGoalNigeria.

“I included him in my provisional list for the 2021 AFCON, but we were awaiting approval. It arrived shortly after the tournament in Cameroon.”

Rohr, who is the longest-serving Super Eagles coach, further added that he is pleased with Lookman’s career progress despite the 26-year-old scoring twice against his side in the recent AFCON qualifiers.

“I’m pleased with his progress, even though he scored twice against my team. He was with the England senior squad for a while, and we had to wait, talking to his family and representatives. It took two years, but I’m confident he doesn’t regret his decision.”

Lookman has been arguably the brightest Super Eagles star this year, from the African Cup of Nations to the March international friendlies and the recent AFCON qualifiers.

His form at club level is even more remarkable, as he guided Atalanta to the Europa League title last season after netting a historic hat-trick in the final against the unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side.

Lookman’s stellar campaign has earned him a nomination as the only African star shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.