Tammy Abraham denies switching to Nigeria

Few hours after news of him switching allegiance flittered in, Tammy Abraham has denied reports that he is set to switch international allegiances to Nigeria in a bid to play at next year’s World Cup and insisted he remains committed to England.

The Chelsea striker, who is on a season-long loan to Swansea, played for England at this summer’s European Under-21 Championships in Poland but remains eligible for the Super Eagles through his parents.

Last week, Amaju Pinnick, the president of the Nigerian Football Federation, admitted that he was hopeful of persuading the 19-year-old to switch allegiances despite representing England at various youth levels thanks to his close relationship with his father, who is a childhood friend.

On Thursday, Pinnick claimed that Abraham has agreed to play for Nigeria and added they have now begun the process of applying to Fifa to transfer his registration. However, Abraham has since denied those reports and insisted he remains available for selection for Aidy Boothroyd’s squad.

“I had a very honest and productive discussion with Tammy and his father last week,” Pinnick said. “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,” he added. “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.”