Tammy Abraham: NFF still hopeful over Chelsea striker

The NFF are not given up on the chase for Tammy Abraham despite the striker's insistence on playing for England.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are still hopeful of getting Tammy Abraham to switch his allegiance to Nigeria after the striker denied he has agreed to play for the Super Eagles.

NFF boss Amaju Pinnick on Thursday, September 21revealed that Abraham has agreed to play for Nigeria.

The Chelsea player who is on loan at Swansea has played for England at youth levels is still eligible to play for Nigeria, the country of his father.

 

After a meeting with the player and his agent, Pinnick was very confident that the striker has agreed to play for Nigeria, revealing that his parents have started the process to effect the switch.

The striker, however, released a statement denying that he has agreed to play for Nigeria.

“Contrary to reports in the media today I would like to clarify that I have not agreed to switch my National team allegiance,” the 19-year-old said.

“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.

ALSO READ: NFF trying hard to get Tammy Abraham

“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.”

Despite the denial, sources close to the Pinnick told Pulse Sports that the NFF boss is confident that Abraham will agree to the switch.

 

“Maybe Abraham hasn’t really made the decision and Pinnick’s statement might have put him off a bit, but the NFF boss is confident he will make the switch,” the source who chooses to be anonymous told Pulse Sports.

Pinnick is childhood friends with Abraham’s father and is hoping to use the relationship to get the striker to commit to Nigeria.