As Nigeria’s interim coach Augustine Eguavoen gears up to announce the Super Eagles’ squad for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya in October, all eyes are on Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
There are new reports from the local media suggesting that Adarabioyo, who was born in England, has decided to commit his international future to Nigeria. However, no official confirmation from Eguavoen has been made, casting doubt on whether the Premier League star will be part of the squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
Daybreak reports that Nigeria’s coaching staff is currently assessing defensive options across Europe as they look to strengthen the team’s backline. With William Troost-Ekong and Semi Ajayi, both experienced but aging, the team is seeking younger talents to inject fresh energy into the defense. At a combined age of 61, the duo’s lack of pace is becoming a concern, despite their experience and leadership.
Tosin Adarabioyo could provide a solution. The 26-year-old centre-back has yet to earn a senior cap for either England or Nigeria but is seen as a valuable asset due to his Premier League experience and his ability to complement the current Super Eagles’ defensive setup. His potential integration into the team would be made smoother by his familiarity with four key members of the squad—Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Ademola Lookman—all of whom he has played alongside at club level.
Despite the growing buzz, Tosin has not featured for England’s youth teams since 2015, when he played for the Young Lions against Japan’s U20s. The lengthy absence from England’s international scene adds to the intrigue surrounding his potential switch to Nigeria.
