Tammy Abraham Denies Nigeria Links, Commits To England

Chelsea teenage striker Tammy Abraham has denied reports he is desiring to switch his international career from England to Nigeria.

Abraham has played for England Under-21s, but has a Nigerian father.

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Reports had it yesterday that the 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at Swansea has agreed to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, following a meeting with the President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick.

Asked on the possibility of Abraham playing for Nigeria, Pinnick said “all is looking good”.

Dismissing the reports, 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.

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“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.”

Swansea boss Paul Clement, threw his weight behind Abraham’s decision, saying he believes the young striker will be better off with the Three Lions than with Nigeria.

“Hopefully he stays with the English national team,” Clement said.

“I’m not sure if he’d be better off career-wise – I’m saying it because I’m English and he’s a good English talent, so you want him involved in the national team.

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“From my point of view, there will be no influence from me.

“If he wants to ask for advice, of course I’ll be there to do it, but I’m sure, between him and his family, he’ll make the right decision.”

Chelsea’s Victor Moses, Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Reading striker Sone Aluko are among those to have represented England at youth level before switching to play senior international football for Nigeria.

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