England Or Nigeria : Why Tammy Abraham Must Make His Choice Before Next FIFA Window

Published: September 23, 2019

Tammy Abraham is the object of love interest between Nigeria, his father's country of origin and England where he was raised.

Abraham is reportedly looking forward to taking a decision in April 2020 about his international career viz a viz playing for Nigeria or England.

But the big question is would he reject an England call up for their Euro 2020 qualifiers in October (next month) while we all wait for his big decision when qualification matches for Euro 2020 must have been wrapped up (by March 2020)?

Abraham should declare his allegiance before teams announce their squads for the next international matches.

The disappointed country and its fans would be getting over the hurt by the time the international matches come around rather than face the indignation of a monumental heartbreak at the eleventh hour.

Abraham WILL BE Super Eagles' FIRST CHOICE striker based on experience if he declares for Nigeria (no disrespect to Victor Osimhen who has bucketful of talents) so it will be interesting to see which country he picks.

At best the duo will be paired in a two pronged attack - and what a lethal attack this will be.

Abraham will not be first choice for England at the expense of Harry Kane surely. Jamie Vardy is retired but with the current form of the Leicester striker for the club, don't be surprised to see him recalled to the Three Lions' squad for Euro 2020 as deputy to Kane.

Tammy Abraham will be more appreciated as an African and particularly as a Nigerian if he decides to play for the Super Eagles.

This writer has a gut feeling that Abraham cannot usurp 'king' Harry Kane for England's number 9 jersey but may be concerned about the organisation and structure of the NFF and the Nigerian the national team.

How many times have the Eagles been involved in acrimonious monetary squabbles with the NFF before major tournaments albeit the leadership of the current Nigeria FA has done reasonably okay in dealing with such matters.

The Eagles are playing quality friendlies; Brazil is next and more of such will come so Abraham should not be overly worried.

Gone are the days foreign born players of African descent turn down the chance to play for their nations without batting an eyelid.

If the Algerian and Senegalese national teams were strong like this current sides say some 25 years ago, perhaps they wouldn't have lost some of their citizens (professional football stars) to the French national team.

So many things can get better for Nigerian football but this current crop of national team players play good football and can get even better.

Abraham the 'wiser choice is yours' to make between being the main man for Nigeria or being third choice for England.

Izuchukwu Okosi

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com