Nigeria Football Federation, NFF’s President, Amaju Pinnick, has once again expressed optimism that some youngsters of Nigerian origin who are doing well in England and other leagues, including Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham and Liverpool’s Ovie Ejaria will wear the Nigerian colours at the appropriate time.
Pinnick had earlier stated that Tammy Abraham is like his son and that he grew up with the lad’s father in the same neighbourhood, vowing to bring him to play for Nigeria
He said it had been in the plans of the present NFF board to build a young Super Eagles team ahead of the 2022 World Cup, adding that they are monitoring several Nigerian players making waves in the various leagues.
He told Complete Sport, “The initial plan was to take our players in the various clubs but now what are trying to do is what we call VIP scouting – talking to these young players that are playing abroad to play for their father land.
“Tyrone Ebuehi did not say he won’t play for Nigeria, but his agent wants him to settle down in his new club first.
“If you talk about Tammy Abraham, he is like my son, his father and I grew up in the same neighborhood. so when they talk about him, I just laugh because I know what to do.
“As for Ovie Ejaria, I talk with the father often, he just called me recently. These are people we have met and they are all excited about Nigeria.
“I am yet to see a Nigerian that is regretting being a Nigerian. No Nigerian, even if they have four or five passports, they are always excited being Nigerians. I can assure you that we shall get them to play for us at appropriate time.”
Tammy Abraham, goes with the full name Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo Abraham and is a Chelsea FC player on loan to Bristol and has been capped by England at Under-18 and 21 levels.
Ejaria recently featured in England Under-20 team after playing at the Under-18 for them.
He had also broken into Liverpool’s senior team and made his league debut in the 6-1 drubbing of Ighalo’s Watford.
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