Tosin Adarabioyo: NFF sets conditions for Chelsea defender to join Super Eagles

By Wale Mustapha

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo must formally express his intention to play for the Super Eagles before being considered for selection.

Adarabioyo, who was previously approached by the NFF to represent Nigeria, rejected the offer at the time.

The 27-year-old also declined an invitation from former Super Eagles head coach José Peseiro, who traveled to the UK last year in a bid to persuade him to switch his international allegiance.

However, recent reports suggest that the centre-back has now shown interest in playing for the three-time African champions.

The NFF has made it clear that for Adarabioyo to be included in future Super Eagles squads, he must take the necessary steps to make the switch official.

“José Peseiro met with him in the UK last year to discuss the possibility of representing Nigeria, but he informed the coach that he wasn’t ready at the time,” an NFF source told ESPN.

“If he is now ready to make the switch, he knows what he needs to do.”

Adarabioyo was born in England to a Nigerian father and a British mother. Though he has represented England at youth level, he has yet to earn a senior call-up to the Three Lions.

The NFF’s clarification comes as they continue to strengthen their efforts in securing the services of dual-nationality players who have the potential to bolster the Super Eagles’ squad.