Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle is not looking the way of Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabiyio despite his declaration that he is open to having a conversation on playing for Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Tosin has been on the radar of the Nigerian team since 2017 but he consistently maintained that he feels he has a future with England, the country he has represented at various youth levels.
However towards the end of last season he made himself available to Chelle for selection saying he watched the team at the AFCON, and wished to be a part of them.
“I followed the Super Eagles at the last Africa Cup of Nations, and they are a fantastic team. I would be delighted to wear the Super Eagles jersey, but for now, I remain focused on my club goals”, he said in March.
A source close to Chelle said while the coach is aware of the player’s recent comment, talks have not been had in that regard and for now the focus is on the young defenders coming through.
He said young players like Benjamin Fredrick, Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu are the players heavy on the mind of the coach, and the list now includes a young defender Akpe Victory who recently joined Swiss side FC Basle.
Although the plan for Akpe is to begin with the U23 where his performances will determine his position in the Super Eagles squad.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
