Nigeria calling? Chelsea star makes UEFA Conference League Team of the Season

Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo has earned a spot in the UEFA Conference League Team of the Season following a standout campaign, as speculation over his international future continues to build, Soccernet.ng reports.

The UEFA Technical Observer Group announced its 2024/25 best XI on Friday, with Adarabioyo one of four Chelsea players to make the elite list. He is joined by goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen, midfield orchestrator Enzo Fernández, and final hero Cole Palmer.

Despite being left out of the Blues' emphatic 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the final, Adarabioyo impressed across the tournament.

The 27-year-old made ten appearances, scored in the 8-0 rout of FC Noah during the group stage, and played every knockout-round match, solidifying his place among Europe’s best defenders in the competition.

Chelsea star Adarabioyo makes UEFA Conference League Team of the Season

The Team of the Season also includes Real Betis trio Youssouf Sabaly, Natan and Isco, alongside standouts from Fiorentina, Celje, Jagiellonia, and Djurgården.

Adarabioyo’s stellar form wasn’t limited to Europe.

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Since joining the Stamford Bridge giants from Fulham in July 2024, the former Manchester City youth product has been a consistent figure in the Premier League, making 22 appearances and logging over 1,400 minutes. He has contributed one goal — a powerful header against Wolves in January — and one assist, while picking up four yellow cards.

His performances have been particularly timely as he edges closer to an international switch.

A former England youth international, Adarabioyo recently confirmed discussions with the Nigeria Football Federation and expressed openness to representing the Super Eagles.

With Nigeria set to resume preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, his inclusion could be a major boost for the squad’s defensive depth.

Adarabioyo, who made his Premier League debut with Fulham in 2020, has now reached a century of appearances in the English top flight. Across stints with Fulham and Chelsea, he has scored four goals and assisted once, impressively avoiding a single red card in his league career.

With Chelsea back in the Champions League and Nigeria calling, 2025 could mark the biggest chapter yet for the versatile defender.