“I regret it” – Aston Villa star with 11 England caps missed Nigeria’s Super Eagles chance

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

“I regret it” – Aston Villa star with 11 England caps missed Nigeria’s Super Eagles chance

Former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has revealed he still feels a sense of regret over failing to convince Tammy Abraham to commit his international future to the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

Abraham, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, remained eligible to represent Nigeria throughout his youth career despite progressing through England’s age-grade teams. That window remained open until 2017, when the striker made his senior debut for the Three Lions in a European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic.

Pinnick disclosed that Nigerian officials made repeated efforts to present international football with the Super Eagles as a more fulfilling long-term pathway, believing Abraham’s heritage and strong family connections would play a decisive role.

At one point, discussions appeared to have reached a breakthrough, with the forward initially indicating a willingness to switch allegiance. However, the plan unravelled shortly before England moved to cap him, effectively closing the door on any future involvement with Nigeria.

Abraham has since collected 11 England caps, scoring three goals, though his international career has stalled in recent years. His last appearance for the Three Lions came in a UEFA Nations League fixture against Italy in June 2022, and he has not been recalled since despite spells with AS Roma, AC Milan and a return to Aston Villa.

Although the striker has lifted trophies across Italy and England, Pinnick believes the decision to reject Nigeria may have altered the trajectory of his international career.

Abraham’s Super Eagles miss and Iwobi’s Nigeria success

Speaking on The Playzone and Dangolo Way podcast, Pinnick offered a candid insight into how close Nigeria came to securing Abraham’s commitment, while also reflecting on the wider strategy of recruiting foreign-born players.

“Tammy Abraham, we sat like this,” he said. “We had agreed that he would come to play, but at the last moment he changed his decision.

“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 would have played for Nigeria. Agbonlahor played three games (for England) and that was it.”

Pinnick suggested that international football with Nigeria often offers greater longevity and emotional investment than chasing opportunities with elite European nations, where competition is fierce and chances can disappear quickly.

The former FIFA Council member highlighted Alex Iwobi’s choice to represent the Super Eagles over England as a model example of how committing to Nigeria can shape a successful international career.

“Iwobi is playing for the Super Eagles today. I know the role we played. If Iwobi had played for England, he would have stopped playing for England five or six years ago,” Pinnick said.

“If your football club doesn’t support you, your national team will. The display at the last Africa Cup of Nations was notable.”

While Abraham endured a difficult period during his spell at Beşiktaş earlier in the season, Iwobi was instrumental as Nigeria pushed to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before claiming a bronze medal.

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