Nigeria's Football Regret: The Tammy Abraham Story
In a revealing disclosure that has reignited discussions about Nigeria's pursuit of foreign-born talent, former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has detailed how the Super Eagles narrowly missed securing the international allegiance of striker Tammy Abraham before he committed to England. This revelation sheds new light on one of Nigerian football's most significant "what-if" scenarios involving a player with strong family connections to the country.
The Close Call That Changed Everything
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Tammy Abraham was eligible to represent Nigeria throughout his youth career, even as he progressed through England's age-grade teams. According to Pinnick, Nigerian officials made multiple attempts to convince the Aston Villa striker that committing to the Super Eagles would provide him with a more fulfilling and lasting international career.
"We sat and spoke, and we had agreed that he would come to play. But at the last moment he changed his decision," Pinnick revealed during an appearance on The Playzone podcast. The former NFF president emphasized that discussions with Abraham and his family had progressed positively at one point, with federation chiefs believing the 28-year-old forward's heritage and personal connections to Nigeria would ultimately sway his decision.
The Turning Point in 2017
The crucial moment arrived in 2017 when England moved swiftly to cap Abraham in a European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic. That single appearance permanently tied him to the Three Lions, effectively closing the door on any potential switch to Nigeria. Pinnick admitted the decision still causes regret, particularly because of his personal relationship with Abraham's father.
"I spoke to his father, we grew up together. He would have played for Nigeria," Pinnick added, underscoring just how close Nigeria came to securing the talented striker's services. This personal connection makes the missed opportunity particularly poignant for Nigerian football officials who had invested significant effort in the recruitment process.
Abraham's International Career Since Choosing England
Since committing to England, Abraham has earned 11 caps and scored three goals for the Three Lions. However, his international career has struggled to gain consistent momentum, with his last appearance coming in June 2022 during a UEFA Nations League match against Italy. He has not been recalled to the England squad since that time.
Ironically, Abraham's club career has flourished more substantially than his international journey. The 28-year-old forward has won trophies in Italy with AS Roma, featured for AC Milan on loan, and recently returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa following a January transfer from Besiktas. Despite his success across England, Italy, and Turkey, Pinnick maintains that Abraham's international story might have unfolded differently had he chosen Nigeria.
Nigeria's Potential Advantages
Pinnick argues that the Super Eagles could have offered Abraham more continuity and emotional connection compared to elite European nations, where competition is particularly ruthless and opportunities are often limited. The former NFF president believes Nigeria provides a different pathway for international footballers, one that might have better suited Abraham's career trajectory and personal background.
Now back in the Premier League for the first time since 2021 after completing his transfer to Aston Villa, Abraham's club career continues to evolve while his international future appears settled with England. Nigeria's chance to benefit from his talent has passed, leaving football officials and fans to wonder what might have been.
Broader Context of Nigeria's Recruitment Challenges
This revelation about Abraham follows similar disclosures regarding other players who have chosen England over Nigeria. In a related development, Pinnick has previously shed light on why Arsenal star Eberechi Eze also opted for England despite Nigerian approaches. These cases highlight the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in securing dual-eligible players who often receive more immediate opportunities from European national teams.
The story of Tammy Abraham represents more than just a missed opportunity for Nigerian football—it illustrates the complex decisions facing modern footballers with multiple national allegiances and the strategic considerations that influence their international careers.
