Tosin joined Enzo Maresca’s Blues in July after exiting Fulham without renewing his contract. While he was heavily linked with Manchester United, he put pen to paper with Chelsea.

However, the former Fulham defender has played second fiddle in Chelsea’s back four since the start of the season. While he’s started all of his side’s UEFA Conference League games, he’s played in just five English Premier League games from all fourteen he could’ve been involved in.

As per Foot Mercato, West Ham United are determined to strengthen their defensive side as they’ve conceded 27 goals from 14 league games under Julen Lopetuigi.

The Hammers are interested in Tosin, as they view him as a player that suits their style. The Englishman is under contract at the Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2028, hinting it’ll be a difficult deal for the London-based side to pull off as the lanky defender is still relatively new at the club.

With a loan move the likely option, it is reported that Adarabioyo could be tempted by a new challenge, and even more importantly, an increase in playing time.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, it is believed Tosin is trying to be as consistent as possible with his game, with the hopes of getting called up to the England national team, and if not, the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Reflecting on his own choice, the Al Kholood center-back expressed no regrets about committing his career to Nigeria, calling it one of the best decisions he’s made.

Troost-Ekong, born in Haarlem, the Netherlands, was once faced with the same dilemma. Initially representing his birth country at U19 and U20 levels, he eventually decided to play for Nigeria, his father’s homeland.

A decisive phone call with Super Eagles legend Stephen Keshi, then Nigeria’s head coach, helped solidify his choice.

Following a breakout season with Dordrecht, he made his senior debut in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.

Since then, Troost-Ekong has enjoyed a distinguished career with Nigeria, highlighted by his standout performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he earned the TotalEnergies Best Player award and was named in the Team of the Tournament.

He has also represented Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup and in the 2019 and 2021 AFCON tournaments.

Reflecting on his journey, Troost-Ekong is fulfilled with his decision to play for Nigeria and offers a clear advice to dual-national players, one of which is Chelsea star Tosin Adarabioyo.

“There are so many rewards playing for Nigeria, not only from a game perspective,” Troost-Ekong said on The Sports Afterparty Podcast.

“It means so much playing for the Super Eagles when you are a Nigerian even if you’re born outside the country, because the people love football so much.”

He believes that the connection with fans is unmatched, adding,

“It’s a different feeling if you play for the Netherlands or England than if you play for Nigeria. If you see how they carry the players when the team does well, there’s no feeling like it, and all the greatest moments I’ve had in my career to date have all been around the Nigeria national teams.”

The highest-scoring Nigerian defender in AFCON history, Troost-Ekong is in Abidjan where the Super Eagles are set to secure their qualification to Morocco 2025.

This omission comes as both nations prepare for crucial matches, with Nigeria eyeing qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and England competing in the UEFA Nations League.

For Nigeria, interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has unveiled a 23-man squad ahead of the Super Eagles’ encounters with Benin Republic and Rwanda in the AFCON qualifiers.

In the absence of the injured Semi Ajayi of West Brom, Eguavoen has opted to call up Gabriel Osho from Auxerre and Victor Collins from Nasarawa United to bolster the team’s defence.

Both Osho and Collins are yet to make their international debuts. They join Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey as Nigeria’s central defensive options.

Across the continent, Lee Carsley, currently acting as England’s caretaker manager, has also excluded Adarabioyo from the Three Lions’ lineup for their Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

While his England chances are slim, interest in Adarabioyo from Nigeria remains strong.

However, the defender, who moved from Fulham to Chelsea in the last transfer window, has yet to receive a call-up from the two countries.

A Manchester City academy graduate, Adarabioyo has impressive Premier League credentials having amassed 82 caps and three goals in the competition.

However, the 27-year-old centre-back’s struggle to secure a regular starting position at Stamford Bridge may have factored into his exclusion from both squads.

With Nigeria needing just one point from their final two qualifiers to secure an AFCON berth, the Super Eagles are well-positioned to qualify.

With Nigerian heritage and having represented England at the youth level, Adarabioyo remains eligible to play for either nation, though he has yet to commit.

The Chelsea centre-back, who joined the club on a free transfer from Fulham over the summer, turned heads with standout performances last season.

However, Adarabioyo was left out of the England squad for this year’s European Championship, where England ultimately lost to Spain in the final.

This decision has given the Nigeria Football Federation renewed hope of securing the 27-year-old defender, particularly as the Super Eagles’ current lineup of centre-backs includes several players aged 30 or older, such as William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Kenneth Omeruo, and Leon Balogun.

Iwobi, who played alongside Adarabioyo at Fulham, shared that he has already discussed the possibility of representing Nigeria with his former teammate.

According to Iwobi, Adarabioyo is currently focused on securing a regular role at Chelsea before deciding on his international future.

“He’s a great player, and I know his qualities, having played both with and against him,” Iwobi told Making of Champions as per Brila.

“We would love to have him on the team, but ultimately, it’s his decision.”

“I’ve spoken to him about playing for Nigeria, but he mentioned that he wants a team where he can have stability and secure a regular spot,” Iwobi added.

“At the end of the day, the choice is his. I’m sure he’s happy at Chelsea, a big club. As long as he’s enjoying his football, that’s what matters.”

Adarabioyo, who previously featured for England’s U19 team, has so far made just four Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season.

Chelsea, now sitting fifth in the league table, have had a promising start, winning five of their nine matches and drawing two.

Despite the defender’s recent transfer to the Premier League side and his eligibility to represent Nigeria, the NFF appears to be biding its time before extending an invitation to the highly-rated centre-back.

Adarabioyo, who previously represented England at youth level, has yet to make a senior international appearance, leaving the door open for a potential switch to the Nigerian national team.

However, it seems the NFF is adopting a cautious approach regarding his immediate inclusion in the squad after a previous snub by the former Fulham defender when Jose Peseiro was in charge of the Super Eagles squad.

Reports circulating in the Nigerian media reports that Peseiro travelled to speak to the defender in England but the former Manchester City youth player ignored the request.

“José Peseiro travelled to meet with him in the UK last year to speak about playing for Nigeria, but he told the coach at that time that he was not ready.” ESPN’s sources revealed.

While Adarabioyo’s future with the Nigerian national team remains a possibility, for now, the focus will remain on the players who are ready to don the colours of the Super Eagles.

The former Fulham star was also overlooked for England’s EURO 2024 squad, fuelling rumours that he may be reconsidering his international allegiance and could soon switch to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

There has been growing speculation within the Nigerian football community that the former Manchester City academy product is ready to don the green and white of Nigeria. This latest omission by England may further open the door for such a move.

England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley, named John Stones, Ezri Konsa, and Marc Guéhi among his defensive options, but the 27-year-old Adarabioyo was notably absent from the squad list.

Ready to go again.

— England (@England) October 3, 2024

While Adarabioyo has only featured in two Premier League games for Chelsea this season, his exclusion from the national team is not solely tied to his recent playing time.

Even during his impressive stint at Fulham, which attracted interest from top clubs like Manchester United, Newcastle United, and AC Milan, he was still left out of the England squad.

The exact reason for his continued omission remains unclear, but if Adarabioyo decides to switch allegiances, his presence would undoubtedly strengthen the Super Eagles’ backline.

However, reports suggest that Super Eagles’ caretaker coach is yet to hold formal talks with Adarabioyo regarding his potential commitment to Nigeria.

The 27-year-old, who has previously featured for England’s youth teams, has impressed with his performances at Fulham, catching the eye of top clubs such as AC Milan, and Manchester United.

Despite his standout displays, his chances of securing a spot in England’s senior squad dimmed after Gareth Southgate overlooked him for the Euro 2024 squad.

This development has reignited discussions around Adarabioyo potentially representing Nigeria, his parents’ country.

Reports circulating in Nigerian media suggest that the centre-back has now decided to commit his international future to Nigeria, although no official confirmation has been made.

// Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo has REPORTEDLY chosen to Represent Nigeria and is now set to commit his International career to the Giiants of Africa

( : Team Nigeria UK)

Well, he’s been in and around with some Nigerian names already

Super Eagles Call Up straight… pic.twitter.com/fLZ6DLtSJ6

— Football Fans Tribe (@FansTribeHQ) September 26, 2024

The prospect of Adarabioyo joining the Super Eagles has sparked debate among Nigerian football fans, with many wondering if the Chelsea defender could be called up for Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Libya. Notably, Adarabioyo has yet to make a senior appearance for England, leaving the door open for a switch to Nigeria.

Interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen, who will oversee the qualifiers, has previously been invited by Adarabioyo to watch his games at Fulham FC. This past connection has fueled speculation that Eguavoen could include him in the squad for the crucial October clash.

However, speaking to Premium Times, Eguavoen clarified that while Adarabioyo is on their radar, no conversations have taken place recently.

“I haven’t spoken with Tosin, but he’s a good player,” Eguavoen said. “We’re monitoring him, and like every Nigerian playing abroad, he has the right to represent Nigeria.”

With the Super Eagles’ squad announcement yet to be made, all eyes are now on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for confirmation.

As it stands, Adarabioyo’s international future remains undecided, and anything can happen before the final squad list is revealed.

Despite growing reports suggesting that Adarabioyo is set for his first call-up to the Super Eagles, Eguavoen has clarified that no direct communication has taken place with the 27-year-old defender.

“I didn’t speak with Tosin, but he’s a good player,” Eguavoen told Premium Times.

“He’s one of the players we’re monitoring. Every Nigerian playing worldwide has the right to play for Nigeria, including Tosin.”

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Adarabioyo remains eligible to represent both England and Nigeria.

However, after being left out of England’s squad for the 2024 European Championship, it is believed the Chelsea centre-back could be leaning towards committing his international future to Nigeria.

While Eguavoen confirmed that Adarabioyo is being monitored, the defender’s inclusion in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming AFCON doubleheader against Libya is highly unlikely.

Instead, Eguavoen is expected to stick with the defensive trio of William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey, who helped Nigeria secure a 3-0 win over Benin Republic and a goalless draw against Rwanda earlier in September.

“Same approach, the players were willing to do it (then) and they still want to do it, and it’s completely up to them. We can only advise them,” Eguavoen said, indicating his intent to maintain consistency in his defensive selections.

The Super Eagles currently sit atop Group D with four points from two matches and will look to solidify their position with back-to-back victories against Libya next month, which could seal their qualification for AFCON 2024.

The victory, which saw Nicolas Jackson score twice and Cole Palmer add another goal, continued Chelsea’s solid start to the Premier League season.

The Blues now sit fifth with ten points from five matches, with their only slip being a disappointing home draw against Crystal Palace.

Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Fulham this summer, has been steadily integrating into the team.

After making his Premier League debut for the Blues in a substitute appearance against Bournemouth — where he helped the team keep their first clean sheet of the season — he earned his first start against West Ham.

With injuries to right-backs Malo Gusto and Reece James, Adarabioyo was called upon, with Wesley Fofana shifting to right-back.

Chelsea’s defensive reshuffle proved effective, as they secured their second consecutive clean sheet.

Reflecting on the match and Chelsea’s squad, Adarabioyo was full of praise for his teammates.

“It obviously came on the back of a good result at Bournemouth, when I came on and kept another clean sheet, and today we did so again so I’m very happy,” he told Chelsea’s website.

He also lauded the club’s depth, stating, “I think everyone knows our squad is phenomenal. You can take any player, you can swap any player in or out and it’s still going to be a high level.”

With Chelsea’s packed schedule and upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Barrow, Adarabioyo could see more game time as manager Enzo Maresca is expected to rotate his squad.

The defender, who is eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, remains a key target for the Nigeria Football Federation, which hopes to persuade him to commit to the Super Eagles as he continues to impress at Chelsea.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is actively engaging with Adarabioyo, who is eligible to play for Nigeria, in hopes of persuading him to switch his international allegiance from England.

Adarabioyo recently joined Chelsea as a free agent, leaving Fulham after his contract expired.

Born in England to Nigerian parents, he has played at various youth levels for England but has not yet debuted for the senior team, despite his last appearance being nine years ago with the U19 squad.

Reports from London World indicate that senior NFF officials have approached the 26-year-old defender, urging him to consider playing for Nigeria. However, Adarabioyo has stated that he has not yet made a decision.

This follows two prior rejections, including one from Jose Peseiro in 2023 before the Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners-up to Ivory Coast.

Other Nigeria-eligible stars

The NFF is hopeful for a positive outcome, inspired by the successful recruitment of players like Ademola Lookman, who switched to Nigeria in 2021 after initially declining offers.

Efforts to recruit Adarabioyo have included visits from former Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen, who attended a match at Craven Cottage in December 2022.

Adarabioyo is among several Nigeria-eligible players at Chelsea, alongside Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Tyrique George. The Nigerian national team is currently without a head coach, following Finidi George’s resignation in June.

Nigeria has successfully convinced several dual-nationality players to represent the country, including William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Maduka Okoye, and Lookman.

Mikel Obi’s position 

However, Adarabioyo’s indecision comes amid criticism from former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi.

In a recent podcast, Mikel Obi criticized dual-national players for waiting too long for call-ups from European countries, only to play for African nations when past their peak.

He cited Shola Ameobi as an example, who delayed his decision to play for Nigeria while waiting for an England call-up, eventually playing only eight games for Nigeria before retiring.

Mikel Obi said during his Obi One podcast, “He had the opportunity to come play for Nigeria. You know Nigeria were chasing him for years and he refused. Obviously, he had this partnership with Alan Shearer at Newcastle.

“They were banging in the goals, the partnership was flourishing they were having an amazing season and of course, the Nigerian FA kept asking him to come play for us but said he was waiting for England.

“Shola gave Nigeria a call when he was 29, almost 30 to come to play for us and then he came and he played only one year.

“The Nigerian FA didn’t have an option because we were going to the World Cup. But he waited till he was past his best and decided to come play for Nigeria.

“Those are the things I am talking about, we are not second option. I didn’t know what the situation was with his family back then but this is just an example.”

At the moment, Super Eagles centre-back options include William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, Olisa Ndah, and Benjamin Tanimu among others.