Tammy Abraham chooses to play for Nigeria over England
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Tammy Abraham is set to snub England for Nigeria in a bid to play at next summer’s World Cup , a top official has claimed.
Abraham, who played for England’s Under-21s during this summer’s European Championships, is eligible for selection by Nigeria, his father’s home country.
The Chelsea striker, who is spending the season on loan at Swansea, has not played a senior international with England.
With a three point lead in their group and just two games remaining, Nigeria are in poll position to qualify for the finals next summer.
Amaju Pinnick, the president of the Nigerian Football Federation, is a close friend of Abraham’s father having grown up with him in the southern town of Warri.
Pinnick insists that Abraham has decided to accept the invitation to play for Nigeria.
He 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 added: “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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