The international future of Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo is settled following his decision to commit to Nigeria ahead of England where he was a junior international at several levels, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Nigeria have been keen on getting the 27 year old to commit to the Super Eagles for the past three years after stamping his authority as a top defender in the English Premier League, he was however hoping for a call up to the semi team of England.
Adarabioyo who joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Fulham in the summer has played in their last two games in the league , where the helped them to back to back wins against Bournemouth and West Ham respectively.
UK based Nigeria football administrator David Doherty in an interview on Nigerian television station TVC monitored by our editorial team confirmed the decision of Tosin, and called it a welcome development to the team.
Doherty said Tosin’s inclusion will no doubt create more competition in the central defense of the team, which presently has the likes of William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey. Three of whom are in their 30’s.
He also criticized the statement made by the former captain of the Nigerian team John Obi Mikel, who was critical of players committing to Nigeria in their late 20’s, saying there is no rule by FIFA that says players should switch nationality at a certain age.
In his words Tosin who turned 27 yesterday is approaching his prime age for any defender and the fact that he plays for a top team will increase the profile of the senior national team of Nigeria.
