Chelsea’s defender Tosin Adarabioyo has denied claims that he snubbed an invitation to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, asserting that he has never declined a national team call-up.
Speaking after Chelsea’s 4–1 win over Real Betis in the UEFA Europa Conference League final, the 27-year-old clarified, “Both of those pieces of news are false. I’ve never turned down Nigeria. There’s never been a conversation where I said I wouldn’t represent them.”
Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea this season from Fulham, said his recent focus was solely on his club career, especially during his final year at Fulham. He noted that while there were informal discussions, he made no commitments.
“I just wanted to finish strong at Fulham and start well at Chelsea. That’s where my head was,” he explained.
The England youth international, eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents, suggested that a decision on his international future is drawing near. “Now is the time I need to make a decision,” he said.
His remarks come as the Nigerian Football Federation continues efforts to attract diaspora talent ahead of upcoming major tournaments.
