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Tottenham Hotspur forward Dominic Solanke has revealed his admiration for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, naming him as his favourite Nigerian player while expressing a desire to reconnect with his Nigerian roots.
Born in Reading, Berkshire, to a Nigerian Yoruba father and an English mother, the 27-year-old striker shares a deep connection with Nigeria despite choosing to represent England at the senior level.
Solanke had a standout season with Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola, scoring 19 goals and providing three assists in 38 league games.
His impressive form earned him a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he has continued his strong performances with four goals in nine appearances this season under Ange Postecoglou.
Both Solanke and Lookman share Nigerian heritage and have a history together, having won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017.
While Lookman committed to playing for the Super Eagles in 2022, Solanke opted to stay with the England national team.
In a recent interview with ShowMax, Solanke opened up about his Nigerian heritage and his friendship with Lookman.
“I haven’t actually been there yet. I definitely need to take some time off soon and go and see my roots, so hopefully in the next few years.
My favourite Nigerian footballer currently has to be Ademola Lookman. We are very close friends. What he has been doing over the past few years has been nothing short of phenomenal.
What he has been doing has been crazy, especially for the Nigerian national team so I have been super proud.
Another of my favourite Nigerian footballers has to be Victor Osimhen. He has been one of the best in the world,” Solanke said.
Ademola Lookman has been in scintillating form for Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in the Super Eagles campaign at the last Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly missed out on the title in February.
His outstanding performances have earned him a 14th-place ranking in the Ballon d’Or standings and made him a frontrunner for the CAF Player of the Year award.
While Lookman continues to shine on the international stage, Solanke remains committed to England, earning just three caps since making his debut in 2017.
