Why We Chose England Over Nigeria – Tomori, Abraham

Nigerian internationals and Chelsea’s stars, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori have stated the reason behind their decision to pick English team, the England squad over the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The duo were recently called up to the England squad by Coach Gareth Southgate for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Bulgaria.

According to Tomori, he opted to play for England over Nigeria because they were the first to hand him a senior international call-up.

“England is such a big nation, as well as Nigeria and Canada, so I think I was going to be happy with whoever called me up – but it’s nice it is England,” he said.

“It wasn’t England all the way. I had certain people and certain things that I had to consider. I spoke to my family and people about it and that’s the decision I came to. So, when England came calling, it was difficult to say no.

“It was just more of a thing I was waiting for a call-up because the last international break I didn’t get a call-up from anyone. This international break, I was waiting for a call-up and England called me up.

“I told my family and then it got announced on Thursday. Not at all (did I see it coming). The manager told me and I was like ‘oh’. It was a nice feeling. I’d say so (that it came quicker than I expected).

“It is obviously good I am here and now, to be in the England squad, it’s a mad turnaround for myself.”

On his part, Abraham who was rather blunt, said is looking to fully commit to England.

Abraham insists the Nigeria question has not been raised during his time in the England camp, saying he never wanted to play for another country except England.

“I’m a player growing up in England, playing in the Premier League. My ambitions were always to play for England. Obviously it’s nice to be wanted by two nations, two nations that I love. But my main focus is England,” he said.

“Back then in 2017, it was all about me being young.

“It was a good experience, for me. So, to be going back now, I had my experiences out on loan, I’m back and now it’s time to stay here.”

“For me, it’s a massive achievement [to be in the squad]. I’m clearly doing something right for my club to get attention from Gareth Southgate. It’s about going out there, helping the team as much as possible. And then coming back in and doing the same job for my team,” he concluded.