“Now is the time”: Chelsea’s Adarabioyo signals imminent decision on Nigeria future

By Wale Mustapha

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has indicated that he is close to making a decision on his international future, amid ongoing speculation over whether he will commit to Nigeria or wait for a senior England call-up.

Adarabioyo, 27, was born in England to Nigerian parents and has represented England at youth level 14 times. However, he remains eligible to play for Nigeria, having yet to earn a senior cap for the Three Lions.

The former Fulham centre-back has previously been linked with a potential switch to the Super Eagles, though reports had suggested he declined earlier invitations from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). Adarabioyo has now refuted those claims.

“I never turned down Nigeria and I have never had a conversation where I said I would be going to Nigeria,” Adarabioyo told reporters after Chelsea’s UEFA Europa Conference League final win over Real Betis.

“At the point last season, where there was a bit of conversation, I said I wanted to focus on club football. I was in my final year at Fulham and now, in my first year at Chelsea, I needed to concentrate.

“Now is the time I need to make a decision [on my international future],” he added.

Adarabioyo joined Chelsea on a free transfer last summer and has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Blues’ defensive setup.