Southgate may give Abraham chance soon to end Nigeria overtures
Tammy Abraham could get the chance to commit himself to England as early as next month, putting paid to Nigeria’s hopes of convincing him to switch allegiances.
Amaju Pinnick, the president of the Nigerian Football Federation, has made another attempt to convince Abraham to play for the Super Eagles, even claiming that the Chelsea striker will not make a final decision until next April. The Daily Telegraph understands Abraham has set no such deadline and remains committed to trying to break into Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.
Abraham has made two appearances for England, two years ago in friendlies against Germany and Brazil, but has yet to make his competitive debut, which would end Nigeria’s hopes of tempting him.
The 21-year-old, who has played for England at every youth level from Under-18s, just missed out on the squad for Saturday’s game against Bulgaria and next week’s visit of Kosovo, but has previously said he sees himself as being committed to England long-term and will be very much in Southgate’s mind between those Euro 2020 qualifiers and the trips to the Czech Republic and Bulgaria next month.
Reports in Nigeria have claimed Abraham could make a switch, but it is believed nothing has changed.
Asked about Abraham’s prospects, Southgate said last week: “Tammy is one of a number of players who have either started the season well or we know well from our junior teams. This squad can look different over the next months.”
Frank Lampard, the Chelsea head coach, said: “I would have loved it for him [to get called up by England], but he can take a bit of a breather. We can work with him. I think England will come calling.”
Pinnick, who is a friend of Abraham’s Nigerian father, said this week: “We will keep talking to good players of Nigeria descent. But these kids are independent-minded. We have been told to wait until April, when he hopes to make a final decision.”