Nigeria hoping to lure Chelsea loanee and England U-21 international Tammy Abraham, reveals Super Eagles president: 'I grew up with his father'
- Swansea striker Tammy Abraham has played for England at Under-21 level
- The forward, on loan from Chelsea, qualifies for Nigeria through his father
- President of the Nigeria Football Federation grew up with Abraham's father
- Nigeria have recently managed to lure many former England U-21 internationals
Nigeria hope to lure Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham to play for them instead of England at international level.
The Swansea striker, on a season-long loan from Stamford Bridge, has represented the Three Lions at Under-21s level but can still switch allegiances as he has not played for the senior side.
The 19-year-old was born in London but qualifies for the Super Eagles through his father, who is Nigerian.
Nigeria hope to lure Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham to play for them instead of England
Abraham has lined up for England Under-21s 12 times so far, manging to score four goals
Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick (R) revealed they're 'working' on Abraham
Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick grew up with Abraham's father and hopes to use his personal ties to recruit the Chelsea product.
'We are working on getting Abraham,' said Pinnick. 'Tammy is like my son. His father and I grew up in the same neighbourhood.
'So when they talk about him, I just laugh because I know what to do.'
Nigeria boast the likes of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Sone Aluko, Shola Ameobi and Ola Aina in their ranks — all of whom played for England at youth level.
Abraham would be another coup for the African country, who has shown promising signs since his move to South Wales this season.
He is starting to find his feet since moving to Swansea, scoring twice in his opening four games
The Chelsea product, though born in London, qualifies for the Super Eagles through his father
Abraham has scored twice in his opening four games for Paul Clement's side and has scored four in 12 so far for England Under-21s, including in the 3-0 victory over Latvia their European Championship qualifier on Tuesday.
But Pinnick believes should Abraham switch international allegiances, he would be moving to a nation on the cusp of achieving great things.
He added: 'You take a first look at the [Nigeria] team and you see players like William Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Leon Balogun, Iwobi, Chidozie Awaziem, Tyronne Ebuehi, Kelechi Iheanacho and now we have Aina as well.
'I believe we are so blessed and that this team will cause a big stir in Russia, and if not in Russia, in Qatar in five years' time.'
He scored Tuesday in the 3-0 win over Latvia their European Under-21 Championship qualifier
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