Pinnick Opens Up On Failed Bid To Convince Tammy Abraham To Play for Super Eagles

Pinnick Opens Up On Failed Bid To Convince Tammy Abraham To Play for Super Eagles

By Admin 

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has expressed regret over Tammy Abraham’s decision to represent England at international level instead of Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Abraham, who is eligible to play for Nigeria through his heritage, went on to earn 11 caps for England, scoring three goals. However, the striker has not featured for the Three Lions since June 2022, a situation Pinnick believes could have unfolded differently had he committed to the Super Eagles.

Speaking on the matter, Pinnick revealed that discussions with Abraham had reached an advanced stage before the player ultimately opted for England.

“Tammy Abraham, we sat together and had agreed that he would come to play for Nigeria, but at the last moment he changed his decision,” Pinnick said.

The former NFF chief added that the decision remains a source of personal regret, noting his long-standing relationship with Abraham’s family.

“Now he’s 28 and has returned to Aston Villa, but I can tell you that I regret it. I spoke to his father — we grew up together,” he said.

Pinnick suggested that Abraham could have enjoyed a more sustained international career with Nigeria, pointing to past examples of players who struggled to establish themselves with England.

“He would have played for Nigeria. Agbonlahor played three games and that was it,” Pinnick added.

Abraham’s international future remains uncertain, having fallen out of contention for England selection in recent years, while Nigeria continues to benefit from a growing pool of foreign-born players choosing to represent the Super Eagles.