The English FA have unfolded a plan which will help them keep hold of youth internationals with dual nationality , in light of the current trend of players switching allegiance despite representing England at youth level.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick confirmed talks are underway with highly rated Anglo-Nigerian forward Tammy Abraham to switch allegiance to Nigeria, shortly after Nigeria moved a step closer to qualifying for the World Cup in Russia following a win and a draw against Cameroon.
Already Nigeria has succeeded in luring the likes of ex England youth international Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi , with Ola Aina also joining the duo in switching allegiance to Nigeria early this year . Nigeria are now targeting Abraham who is on loan to Swansea City from English Premier League champions Chelsea.
However England have drawn up a plan to help keep the likes of Abraham by proposing to play most players from their youth teams if they are able to seal qualification for the World Cup with games to spare.
Present coach of the senior national team of England Gareth Southgate is in support of the idea as it will help the nation keep top prospects who were educated by the system, where Southgate was youth team coach before his elevation to the senior team.
Michael James
