Nothing pains more than a joy short-lived! That is the story of the Nigerian Twitter space on Thursday during the back and forth of Swansea striker Tammy Abraham’s international future.
The 19-year old (will turn 20 in 10 days) was one of the top 3 trending topics in Nigeria by Thursday evening and if you were wondering why? Here’s a summary of the events.
BOOM! The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) twitter handle @thenff marched their way to social media with the big news from their website.
NFF closes up on @tammyabraham…https://t.co/2DnmSp3LNt #TammyAbraham #Nigeria #SuperEagles pic.twitter.com/YLMpW7FTSZ
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) September 21, 2017
As expected, what followed was all sorts of reactions from fans, stakeholders and perhaps ‘Keyboard Warriors’ both positive and negative.
The happy one:
Good job, @PinnickAmaju! Tammy Abraham loading…
— Temisan Okomi (@temiokomi) September 21, 2017
Here is also a Twitter dream coach knowing what’s next to be done.
Nigeria should work to discover attacking midfielders and fast wingers and wing backs as new objective.
— Adesola Fagbemi (@adesolafagbemi) September 21, 2017
There apparently were two types of those who did not want this news. 1. Those that believe there’s no need for him and 2. Those that want more look inwards. Here’s an example of 1.
Don't understand the drive for him. There's Ighalo, Iheanacho, Onyekuru, Osimhen, Awoniyi, Odey all pushing for the striker berth #hoopla
— Morris Greene (@MohGrin) September 21, 2017
And type 2.
Abeg are you sure that player wey everybody talk about better pass Tony Okpotu or Kingsley Eduwo?
— Emeka Nwani (@Mekus_Mekus) September 21, 2017
Some other angles, what about this for a British accent?
Tammy Abraham has done zero to deserve a Super Eagles place. Might work out later but he's getting in now only because of his British accent
— Yomi Kazeem (@TheYomiKazeem) September 21, 2017
But what concerns this young lady is the “fineness” of our lured Eagle. She’s searching ain’t she?
Where is NFF getting all those fine guys from? Currently looking to sign somebody's son.
— Love of ur Life🇳🇬 (@reizqat) September 21, 2017
But as the celebrations continued, it was SkySportsNews that first mellowed down Nigerians.
BREAKING:@tammyabraham tells FA he remains available for selection and rejects reports he wants to switch allegiance to Nigeria. #SSN pic.twitter.com/vqDAB3s3Qk
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 21, 2017
Before more and more British tabloids drew more daggers!
Tammy Abraham denies claims he is set to play for Nigeria over England https://t.co/o4mx6tKXfT #Swans #CFC pic.twitter.com/4QaGObJXTe
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 21, 2017
And the almighty BBC
Well, that answers that question.
Tammy Abraham has committed to England following reported interest from Nigeria: https://t.co/rAQiyL8W3P pic.twitter.com/FbhS3x8WPt
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 21, 2017
The first reaction came from an unlikely source Pius Adesanmi, highlighting who would lose in the end.
19-years-old – Tammy Abraham commits to England.
32-years-old – 3 world cups, 0 appearances, Tammy Abraham pleads to switch to Super Eagles— Pius Adesanmi (@pius_adesanmi) September 21, 2017
But the biggest ‘L’ expectedly went to the NFF.
Tammy Abraham: "I have informed The FA that I remain available for selection for England."
NFF have played their penalty to throw-in. 🙆🏽♂️
— Okon 'Ediye' Nya (@iamOkon) September 21, 2017
NFF President Amaju Pinnick was not spared and reminded his past gaffes by this man. Nigerians hardly forget bad things sha.
Paul Le Guen, Jordan Ibe, Tammy Abraham… who next. I've never seen a group that can't wait to seal a deal b4 announcing. Barca knew they
— Daffy Duck (@Sport_People_Ta) September 21, 2017
Meanwhile, Aquila Sports Ltd CEO, Calvin Onwuka always feared this as he enumerated in this thread.
When I saw the story of Abraham's supposed switch I just sighed. We should have waited, invited him first if he accepts then announce
— Calvin 'Emeka Onwuka (@CalvinEmeka) September 21, 2017
Could this truly be what Mr Pinnick is thinking right now?
Tammy Abraham after failing to secure Senior Team call-up with England and then tries to explain things to Amaju Pinnick.
Amaju Pinnick: pic.twitter.com/9RQze0ZPbO
— Odiko Godwin🌀 🇳🇬 (@OdikoGodwin) September 21, 2017
The Ijaya 1 of Lagos asks a question of the NFF Prezido and many answers followed in the thread.
Tammy Abraham stylishly rejects Nigeria….Mr Pinnick… How far???
— Olawale Omo Adigun (@olywal) September 21, 2017
In the end though, this good Nigerian advises Tammy!
Tammy Abraham, you can only choose England if ur role model is Agbolahan of Aston Villa.. Use ur brain pic.twitter.com/HVbfRyChkE
— Mrlaw (@lawizzygotswag) September 21, 2017
1 Comment
Rotimi Dada September 23, 2017 at 3:11 pm
Hilarious. Love the Twitter style of report