Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham set for shock England snub to play for Nigeria as the teen striker on loan with Swansea eyes World Cup chance next summer
Whizkid played nine times for the Three Lions' U21s but can switch allegiance as he has yet to play for the senior side
TAMMY ABRAHAM is poised to snub England to play for Nigeria.
The highly-rated Chelsea striker, 19, 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.
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And Nigerian Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick — a friend of Abraham’s dad — said: “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.”
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.
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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.”
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 working 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.”
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