Nigeria's Near Miss: How Tammy Abraham Slipped Through the Super Eagles' Fingers
In a revealing disclosure that has reignited discussions about Nigeria's recruitment of foreign-born talents, former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has confirmed that the Super Eagles came agonizingly close to securing Tammy Abraham's international services before the striker ultimately pledged his allegiance to England.
This revelation sheds fresh light on one of Nigerian football's most significant "what-if" scenarios involving a player with deep familial roots in the country.
The Recruitment Battle That Nigeria Almost Won
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Tammy Abraham maintained eligibility to represent Nigeria throughout his developmental years, even as he progressed through England's youth national teams. According to Pinnick's account on The Playzone podcast, Nigerian football authorities made multiple concerted efforts to persuade the Aston Villa forward that committing to the Super Eagles would provide him with a more rewarding and sustainable 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 disclosed, highlighting the eleventh-hour nature of Abraham's choice.
The former NFF president emphasized the personal dimension of this recruitment effort, noting his longstanding relationship with Abraham's father. "I spoke to his father, we grew up together. He would have played for Nigeria," Pinnick added, underscoring how familial connections nearly tipped the scales in Nigeria's favor.
The Decisive Moment That Changed Everything
The critical turning point arrived in 2017 when England's national team management moved swiftly to cap Abraham during a European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic. This single appearance permanently bound the striker to the Three Lions under FIFA's eligibility rules, effectively slamming shut the door on any potential future switch to Nigeria.
Pinnick admitted that this outcome continues to cause regret within Nigerian football circles, particularly given Abraham's subsequent international trajectory with England. Despite earning 11 caps and scoring three goals for the Three Lions since his 2017 debut, the 28-year-old forward has seen his international career stagnate, with his last England appearance occurring in June 2022 during a UEFA Nations League match against Italy.
Contrasting Club Success and International Stagnation
Ironically, while Abraham's England career has plateaued, his club achievements have flourished across Europe's top leagues. The striker has secured silverware in Italy with AS Roma, featured prominently for AC Milan during a loan spell, and recently returned to the Premier League with Aston Villa following a January transfer from Turkish side Besiktas.
Pinnick contends that Abraham's international narrative might have unfolded differently had he chosen Nigeria. The former football administrator argues that the Super Eagles typically offer greater continuity and emotional resonance for players of Nigerian heritage compared to elite European national teams, where competition remains exceptionally fierce and opportunities prove more limited.
Broader Implications for Nigeria's Talent Recruitment
This revelation about Abraham's near-conversion to Nigerian colors emerges alongside Pinnick's recent comments regarding Arsenal midfielder Eberechi Eze's similar decision to represent England over Nigeria. These parallel cases highlight the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in persuading dual-eligible talents to embrace their African heritage on the international stage.
Now aged 28 and firmly established in England's football ecosystem, Abraham's international future appears settled, leaving Nigeria's opportunity to benefit from his considerable attacking talents permanently lost to history. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate negotiations and timing involved in international football recruitment, where a single match can determine a player's national allegiance for an entire career.
