- Chelsea teenage attacker Tammy Abraham has agreed to switch allegiance from England to Nigeria
-The teenage sensation is currently on loan to Swansea city
- Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick played a significant role in making the youngster agree to play for Nigeria
Highly rated Chelsea teenage attacker Tammy Abraham has agreed to switch allegiances from the three lions of England to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has confirmed.
Tammy Abraham set to dump England for Nigeria’s Super Eagles ( Photo: Getty Contributor)
The 19-year-old on loan at Swansea has played for England up to Under-21 level but can switch allegiances as he has yet to play for the senior side.
And Pinnick who is also a friend of Abraham’s dad said: “I had a very honest and productive discussion with Tammy and his father last week.
Tammy Abraham set to dump England for Nigeria’s Super Eagles (Photo: REX Features)
“It’s been a long process but I can tell you authoritatively that he has agreed to play for Nigeria and not England.
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“He and his parents have started the necessary documents to effect the switch.
“Clearly he understands he stands a better chance playing for the Super Eagles. With his talent he has the ability to fight for a place in the Nigeria squad, by God’s grace we make it to Russia, then he would contest for a chance to represent his fatherland.”
Pinnick and the striker’s father grew up in the town of Warri, in southern Nigeria.
And Pinnick did not hide the fact his relationship with Abraham’s father helped the bid.
Abraham has adjusted to life in the Premier League (Photo: REX features)
He said: “I have said it often that my relationship with his father would help and so it was important to speak to them together.
“They are happy with the prospect of playing for Nigeria.
“Of course everyone in England can see what Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi have gone on to achieve with Nigeria.
“We must wait because it is not so straightforward with Fifa. But the important thing is that we have made a big capture by getting Tammy.”
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Nigeria have also previously snapped up ex- England youth stars, Sone Aluko, Shola Ameobi and Ola Aina.
And Pinnick is not finished there as he is also planning on landing Abraham’s 16-year-old brother Timmy.
Pinnick said: “That is another talent we are working on. He’s already doing well at Fulham.
“He’s incredibly talented and will be a great addition to our youth set- up. Nigeria will bring out the best in him.”
London-born Tammy Abraham is a regular on loan with Swansea in the Premier League after thriving in his temporary spell with Bristol City in the Championship
Tammy has hit three goals in nine games for England Under-21s
Watch NAIJ.com video compilation of the Super Eagles training session as they prepare for a home match:
Source: Sports.naij.com
ROSY CREST
Thursday, 21 September 2017