FIFA Turns Down Tosin Adarabioyo’s Request to Play For Nigeria
FIFA, the world football governing body, has reportedly rejected Tottenham Hotspur defender Tosin Adarabioyo’s request to change his international team from England to Nigeria.
The 29-year-old was born in London to Nigerian parents from the Yoruba ethnic group. He had been considered for a move to the Super Eagles as Nigeria looked to improve its defence.
But following FIFA’s reported decision, the defender cannot play for Nigeria right now. This is a setback for the team, which had hoped to add his experience and skill to its defence.
Adarabioyo played for England’s youth teams, making 14 appearances for the U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-19 squads. He has not yet played for England’s senior team.
Adarabioyo was born at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, and grew up in Manchester. He went to Chorlton High School and St Bede’s College.
You May Also Read: Arokodare Scores Twice as Super Eagles Beat Tanzania 3-1
He started playing football at age five and joined Manchester City’s academy. The club’s head of recruitment, Terry John, noticed his talent there.
Adarabioyo moved up through Manchester City’s youth teams and made his senior debut in 2016.
He later became the club’s youngest player to start a UEFA Champions League game and made eight senior appearances in all competitions.
He spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before signing with Fulham permanently in July 2020.
The defender joined Chelsea in 2024 and then moved to Tottenham Hotspur, where he is still playing in the Premier League.
Although Adarabioyo played for England’s youth teams, he remained eligible to play for Nigeria because of his parents. The reported rejection of his switch is an important update for the Super Eagles.
