I’ve never turned down Nigeria – Tosin Adarabioyo

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has dismissed reports claiming he rejected a chance to play for the Nigerian national team, making it clear that he has never turned down the Super Eagles.

Speaking after Chelsea’s 4-1 win over Real Betis in the UEFA Europa Conference League final, the 27-year-old addressed the growing speculation about his international future.

“Both of those pieces of news are pretty false,” Adarabioyo said. “I’ve never turned down Nigeria. And I’ve never had any conversations with them to say that I’ll be going to Nigeria.”

The former Fulham centre-back, who has represented England at various youth levels, explained that his priority last season was focusing on his club career. “At the point of last season where there was a little bit of conversation, I told them I just want to focus on club football. I was in my last year at Fulham and I just wanted to have a solid run there. Now I’m at Chelsea and again I’ve focused on my first year here.”

However, Adarabioyo hinted that a decision on his international future could be made soon. “I think now is going to be the time that I need to make a decision,” he added.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Adarabioyo remains eligible to represent either England or Nigeria at the senior level.