Chelsea centre-back, Tosin Adarabioyo has debunked recent reports suggesting he turned down an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the international level.
The 27-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Fulham on a free transfer this summer, addressed the speculation during his post-match comments following Chelsea’s 4–1 win over Real Betis in the UEFA Europa Conference League final.
Adarabioyo, who has long been eligible to play for both England and Nigeria, clarified that contrary to claims making the rounds, he has never rejected Nigeria nor closed the door on representing the Super Eagles.
“Both of those pieces of news are false. I have never turned down Nigeria and never had any conversation with them to say I would be going (playing) to Nigeria,” Adarabioyo told Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba.
“At the point of last season, we had this little bit of conversation, I told them I wanted to focus on club football. I was in my last year at Fulham.”
Now settling into life at Stamford Bridge, the former Manchester City academy product hinted that a decision on his international future could come soon.
“Now I am at Chelsea, my first year, which I want to concentrate on again. I think now is going to be the time I need to make a decision,” he said.
Adarabioyo has represented England at various youth levels, from U16 to U19, but his last appearance for the Three Lions came in 2015.
Despite his consistent performances in the Premier League, a senior England call-up has yet to arrive, keeping the door open for a potential switch to Nigeria.
Whether Adarabioyo finally dons the green and white remains to be seen, but all signs suggest the ball is now in his court.
