Coach of Roma Jose Mourinho was in the news few days ago for suggesting that Tammy Abraham should consider a switch to Nigeria if he fails to get an invitation from England.
Mourinho was speaking on the back of the fine form of the striker who has not been a part of Southgate squad for two years and with the World Cup approaching, he felt he should consider Nigeria.
However, the forward can’t switch allegiance to Nigeria as the rule for players willing to switch nationality states that, players are free to change nationality as long as they have only featured in three international fixtures, including qualifiers – but not tournaments like the World Cup, must have been less than 21 years of age at the time of playing and can only switch after three years of no international activity.
Abraham was above 21 when he played for England and he has also played six games for the three lions at senior level meaning sticking with England is his only chance of glory at international football.
Reacting to Mourinho’s comment, a backroom staff of the Super Eagles said it’s not an option even if he was eligible to switch to Nigeria because they now have Victor Osimhen in his role.
” It’s not even possible for him to play for us even if he can still switch nationality. First of all we have Osimhen who fits the way the team plays and he is even doing better than Abraham in same league. Then we have the issue of the way he handled his decision to play for England. Back then we didn’t have Osimhen and others. Now we do, so he is not needed”.
