Chelsea and England starlet Tammy Abraham denies he will switch international allegiance despite meeting with Nigerian FA president
- Tammy Abraham has denied he will switch allegiance from England to Nigeria
- The Chelsea starlet, who is on loan at Swansea, has played for England Under 21s
- Nigerian Football Federation chief Amaju Pinnic claimed he would switch sides
- Teenager Abraham was born in London but qualifies for Nigeria through his dad
On-loan Chelsea starlet Tammy Abraham has rejected claims he will ditch England to play for Nigeria at senior international level.
Nigerian Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, who is a friend of the striker's father, has promised 19-year-old Abraham a place in the squad for next year's World Cup, should the Super Eagles qualify for Russia 2018.
But the Swansea striker has distanced himself from claims he was set to make the switch despite admitting he met with the NFF chief.
Tammy Abraham insists he will not turn his back on England in favour of playing for Nigeria
The 19-year-old Chelsea striker has scored three goals in nine Under 21 games for England
Abraham, who is on loan at Swansea this season, was born in London to a Nigerian father
Abraham was born in London but remains eligible to play for Nigeria due to his dad's nationality and has not yet won a first-team cap for England, but has appeared nine times for the Under 21 side.
In a statement Abraham insisted: 'Contrary to reports in the media today I would like to clarify that I have not agreed to switch my National team allegiance.
'I can confirm I met the President of the NFF after our last game against Tottenham at Wembley on Saturday given he is a friend of my father.
'However, any suggestion that I have made a decision to change my international representation is incorrect and wide of the mark.
'I have informed The FA that I remain available for selection for England.'
Nigerian Football Federation chief Amaju Pinnick wanted Abraham to play at the World Cup
Captained by midfielder John Obi Mikel, Nigeria are well on course to qualify for Russia 2018
Abraham's words contradict the belief of Pinnick, who had claimed: 'I had a very honest and productive discussion with Tammy and his father last week.
'It's been a long process but I can tell you authoritatively that he has agreed to play for Nigeria and not England. 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.'
Abraham, who is currently on loan at Swansea on a season-long deal, has scored three times for England U21s. He previously netted goals for the Three Lions at U18 and U19 level.
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