Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has once again stirred the debate over his international future through a cultural revelation that has left fans talking, Soccernet.ng reports.
The British-Nigerian has been linked with donning the colours of the Super Eagles after repeatedly being overlooked by the English national team.
During a casual segment following Chelsea’s Club World Cup fixtures, the Nigeria-eligible centre-back was asked a light-hearted question:
“What’s your favourite Nigerian food?” His answer was short but telling. “Pounded yam and okro soup,” Adarabioyo said, responding with a smile, as shared by GhanaNaijaBallers.
️ Q: What’s your favorite Nigerian food?
Tosin Adarabioyo: Pounded yam and Okro soup pic.twitter.com/Xw44ALJWyi
— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) July 9, 2025
While it may seem like a simple food preference, the comment has sparked speculation over where his international allegiance might lie—England, where he was born and has represented at youth levels, or Nigeria, which is the country of his parents.
Did Adarabioyo Turn Down Playing For Nigeria?
The 27-year-old, who joined Chelsea from Fulham last summer, recently addressed rumours suggesting he had turned down the chance to play for the Super Eagles.
“Yeah, so 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 will be going to Nigeria.
“At the point of last season, when there was a little bit of conversation, I told the club I just wanted to focus on club football in my last year at Fulham. I just wanted to have a solid season at Fulham.
“Now I’m at Chelsea in my first year, which I wanted to concentrate on again, and I think now is going to be the time that I need to make a decision.”
