On-loan Chelsea starlet Tammy Abraham could play for Nigeria at senior international level despite winning nine Under 21 caps for England.
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 a Sportsmail source close to Abraham insisted on Thursday that the teenager has not yet made a decision on his international future and that he is more than happy to remain part of the England U21 setup.
Abraham was born in Camberwell, London as Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham but remains eligible to play for Nigeria due to his dad’s nationality and having not yet won a first-team cap for England.
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“I had a very honest and productive discussion with Tammy and his father last week,” said Pinnick.
“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.”
Abraham, who is currently on loan at Swansea on a season-long deal, has scored three times for England U21s. He previously netted goals for the Three Lions at U18 and U19 level.
Nigeria are currently well on course to book their sixth appearance at a World Cup.
They are three points clear of Group B rivals Zambia in African qualifying and have a superior goal difference with two rounds of fixtures left to play.
Nigeria can confirm their place at Russia 2018 with a game to spare by beating Zambia when the two teams clash next month.
