England Accuse Nigeria of Poaching Football Young-stars

England FA on Friday alleged that Nigeria have been trying to poach a number of young stars from the country.

The allegation came on the heel of the recent speculation that Kevin Oghenetega Tamaraebi Bakumo-Abraham, known as Tammy Abraham, had chosen to switch allegiances to Nigeria, which the Chelsea striker had denied.

England manager Aidy Boothroyd, whose side face Scotland in a Euro 2019 qualifier in Middlesbrough on Friday night, said Abraham, who is on loan at Swansea, remains a player Nigeria want in their squad to go to Russia.

Brothroyd said Abraham alongside Nigerian Everton’s youngster Ademola Lookman and Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo helped England to win the Under-20 World Cup earlier this year but he cannot offer guaranteed starting spots for them in his squad especially for the Friday night match.

So far, all those players have committed to England.

Boothroyd said: ‘Nigeria are trying to get as many players as they can and you can’t blame them because we’ve got some good players. Sheyi Ojo is another.

‘It’s a hard one because I can’t guarantee they are going to play, as the group is so good. Perhaps other countries might see that and promise the world and get them in the first team before you know it.’

England took four points from their opening two games against the Netherlands and Latvia last month but on Friday face a stern test from Scotland, who shocked the Dutch in their opening game.

The last time England faced Scotland at this level, in August 2013, Roy Hodgson was caretaker manager and oversaw a 6-0 win at Bramall Lane.

But Boothroyd is expecting this to be a closer encounter.

‘It’s not a six-pointer but it is one of those games you are absolutely desperate to win,’ he said.

‘I lived up there for a year and I know how important it is for them to beat The English.’