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Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo has spoken warmly about his Nigerian heritage, fuelling speculation over a possible switch of international allegiance from England to Nigeria, Footynaija.com reports.
The 27-year-old, who signed for Chelsea last summer on a free transfer from Fulham, has grown into a reliable figure under new boss Enzo Maresca.
Despite a slow start, Adarabioyo has impressed at Stamford Bridge where he has scored four goals and registered one assist in 31 appearances across all competitions this season.
Clean sheet. Three goals. W in Poland. pic.twitter.com/MyWTAaXH70
— Tosin Adarabioyo (@TosinAdarabioyo) April 10, 2025
His performances have reportedly caught the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation and Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who are keen to bolster the national team’s defence ahead of the Unity Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speaking in an interview with Chelsea’s official website, Adarabioyo expressed pride in his Nigerian background and the role it has played in shaping his character.
“We’re very much a Nigerian family and it was a Nigerian upbringing, whether that’s the food or traditionally the way we’ve been brought up, which is a bit different to how it would be here,” he said.
“The food is harder, stuff like pounded yam, stuff that makes you strong!”
Adarabioyo began his professional career at Manchester City, rising through the club’s academy to make his senior debut in 2016.
He made history by becoming the youngest player to start a UEFA Champions League match for the club and featured eight times before loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers.
In July 2020, he joined Fulham permanently and established himself as a dependable Premier League defender.
Though capped 14 times at youth level for England, Adarabioyo is yet to feature for the senior team.
Gareth Southgate snubs Tosin Adarabioyo and Dominic Solanke in England’s squad for Euro 2024.
— Imhons Erons (@Imhons) May 21, 2024
Time for Super Eagles call-up? pic.twitter.com/I7B48aXst3
The centre-back remains eligible for Nigeria through descent, and his potential addition could bring much-needed depth and leadership to a Super Eagles backline already boasting Calvin Bassey, Jordan Torunarigha, Gabriel Osho, and Igoh Ogbu.
