England fighting to keep Under-21s Tammy Abraham and Sheyi Ojo as Nigeria swoop
ENGLAND Under-21s chief Aidy Bothroyd is bracing himself for Nigeria to try and convince Tammy Abraham and Sheyi Ojo to switch allegiance.
Abraham recently had to confirm his commitment after it came out that he met the president of the Nigerian Football Federation, a family friend.
And the Super Eagles could also target Liverpool whizkid Ojo, with both qualifying through their family background.
As neither starlet has won a full Three Lions Cap, they are free to switch under Fifa rules.
But Bothroyd is convinced he can convince both to remain in the England set-up after developing a strong bond.
He said: “It’s an interesting one with Tammy and I saw those reports.
“The good thing is we have a relationship and I can pick the phone up and say, ‘What’s going on mate? Do I have to get a Nigerian passport and come and be your coach so you can stay with us?’.
“Nigeria are trying to get as many players as they can and you can’t blame them as we have got some good players.
“Nigeria still might be trying. You can understand why although these are lads who have played for England who have an affinity with us and a relationship.
"When it happens with Sheyi I can pick the phone up, the same with Tammy.
“It’s hard, as I can’t guarantee they are going to play because the group is so good. Perhaps other countries will see that and get into them and promise them the world.”
Chelsea youngster Abraham has been sent out on loan at Swansea to gain experience, while Ojo is still two months from making an injury return for Fulham where he is on a short-term deal.
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