Chelsea Star Tosin Adarabioyo Visits Lagos Governor Ahead of Youth Cup

 

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo is currently in Nigeria as part of a homecoming trip that includes community engagement and support for grassroots football. On Tuesday, he paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Government House. The governor shared their meeting on Facebook, praising Adarabioyo for staying connected to his roots while achieving success on the global football stage.

Adarabioyo’s visit comes ahead of the Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup, a grassroots football tournament being held in his honour. The event is scheduled for Wednesday at the historic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Organised by the Lagos State Football Association, the youth cup is expected to attract young footballers, fans, and local sports officials.

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The centre-back’s presence at the tournament is aimed at inspiring aspiring players by showing that global success is possible regardless of background. He is expected to be physically present at the stadium, adding more excitement to the event.

The governor commended Adarabioyo for using his platform to uplift youth and promote sports development in Nigeria. The visit and tournament are part of a larger movement encouraging Nigerian athletes in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots and contribute to local initiatives.

This initiative by Adarabioyo is being widely appreciated by fans and stakeholders, who see it as a great example of giving back to the community and boosting the future of Nigerian football from the grassroots level.

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Tosin Adarabioyo’s visit to Lagos and the launch of his youth football cup has reignited conversations about his international future. Born in Manchester to Nigerian parents, Adarabioyo has represented England at youth levels, but he is still eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. At 27 years old and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, he revealed that he is close to making a final decision on which country he will represent at senior level.

In the past, there were reports suggesting that Adarabioyo had turned down invitations to play for Nigeria, but the Chelsea defender has publicly denied rejecting any call-ups. His recent actions   especially being involved with grassroots football in Lagos   signal a stronger connection to Nigeria, which many fans believe could be a step toward joining the national team.

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The Super Eagles have a long tradition of attracting England-born players with Nigerian heritage. Players like Victor Moses, Shola Ameobi, and more recently, Ademola Lookman made similar decisions after their youth stints with England. Lookman, who played a vital role in Nigeria’s run to the semifinals of AFCON 2024, is now a central figure in the team.

Adarabioyo’s potential switch is seen as another boost for the national team, which is actively scouting dual-nationality players. His current form in the Premier League with Chelsea, combined with his strong defensive presence, would make him a valuable addition to the squad.

By supporting a youth tournament and engaging with local leaders and fans, Adarabioyo has shown a genuine connection to Nigeria. Whether or not he eventually wears the green and white, his efforts to uplift Nigerian football are already making a positive impact and building excitement among fans nationwide.