Abraham denies switching allegiance to Nigeria

By Boluwatife Ezekiel Olaleye

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has denied claims he will ditch England to play for Nigeria at senior international level, National Daily reports.

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.

In a statement, Abraham said: “I have informed The FA that I remain available for selection for England. Contrary to reports in the media I would like to clarify that I have not agreed to switch my national team allegiance.

He continued: “I can confirm I met the President of the NFF after our last game against Tottenham at Wembley on Saturdaygiven 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.”

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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.’