Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has opened up about his Nigerian heritage and plans to visit Nigeria in the coming years.
Solanke, who is eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father, made his senior debut for the England national team in a UEFA Nations League match against Greece on October 10, 2024.
The Chelsea academy graduate, who had been absent from the international scene for seven years after his debut, earned his place back in the England squad under manager Gareth Southgate.
His most notable achievement before his senior debut came in 2017 when he helped the England U20 team win the FIFA U20 World Cup. That squad featured five other players of Nigerian descent, including Fikayo Tomori, Sheyi Ojo, Ademola Lookman, Ovie Ejaria, and Josh Onomah.
Solanke, who remains close friends with Lookman, named him as his favourite Nigerian footballer in an interview with Showmax via Footboom. He praised Lookman’s impressive achievements, particularly with the Nigerian national team.
“My favourite Nigerian footballer at the moment has to be Ademola Lookman. We are very good friends, and what he has done over the last few years has been extraordinary,” Solanke said. “What he has achieved has been phenomenal, particularly for the Nigerian national team, so I was incredibly proud. Another standout for me is Victor Osimhen; he really was one of the best in the world.”
Lookman, who had represented England at youth levels before switching allegiance to Nigeria, has been a key player for the Super Eagles. He featured prominently in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals to help Nigeria reach the final. Lookman was also ranked 14th in the Ballon d’Or standings and is among the top contenders for the African Footballer of the Year award.
Solanke’s admiration for Lookman and his continued support for the Super Eagles highlight his strong connection to his Nigerian roots, despite his international commitments with England.
