Could the NFF have done more to lure Tosin Adarabioyo to the Super Eagles?
Rumours have swirled around Tosin Adarabioyo's potential switch to the Nigerian national team for years, but recent reports have cast doubt on the idea that a decision has been made.
Despite his success in the Premier League, Adarabioyo remains without a senior international call-up, leaving his future with Nigeria or England uncertain.
Adarabioyo's future still in limbo
While there's been plenty of speculation, many have already slammed the Nigerian Football Federation for moving too slowly to lock the Chelsea defender into a role in the Super Eagles.
Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea this summer after establishing himself as a reliable defender with Fulham, has appeared for England at youth levels but has yet to break into the senior team.
Having failed t make his mark with the Three Lions, Adarabioyo was rumoured to have accepted to represent Nigeria's Super Eagles, but those links were quickly debunked.
TalkSPORT's Ben Jacobs recently stated, "Understand Tosin Adarabioyo has not yet decided his international allegiance, despite reports he has picked Nigeria.
"Tosin remains eligible for either Nigeria or England. He is yet to choose which country he wants to represent."
NFF's effort to convince Adarabioyo
Amid speculation that the Nigerian Football Federation were dragging their feet over approaching a willing Adarabioyo, an NFF source reportedly told ESPN that they had been in contact with the Chelsea defender but he was not interested in playing for Nigeria yet.
"Jose Peseiro travelled to meet with him in the UK last year to speak to him about playing for Nigeria, but he told the coach at that time that he was not ready," the source told ESPN.
Despite rumours that Adarabioyo had been keen to represent Nigeria on the international stage, it appears that the Chelsea centre-back is still holding out hope that he might find a place with the Three Lions, especially with the 2026 World Cup in view.
However, Adarabioyo has still been unable to secure a call up to the Three Lions in their latest squad for the UEFA Nations League despite injuries to key players like Harry Maguire.
Comments