Super Eagles Coach Eguavoen Confirms Interest in Chelsea’s Adarabioyo

Interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen has confirmed that Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo is among the players being monitored for future inclusion in the Nigeria national team.

Speaking in an interview in Lagos, Eguavoen expressed admiration for the 27-year-old’s talent but clarified that there has been no direct communication between them.

“I didn’t speak with Tosin, but he’s a good player,” Eguavoen said. “He’s one of the players we’re monitoring. Every Nigerian playing worldwide has the right to play for Nigeria, including Tosin.”

Adarabioyo, a product of Manchester City’s academy, last represented England’s youth team in 2015 but has since continued to grow in stature.

His recent transfer to Chelsea from Fulham is believed to have been earned through his impressive performances. Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once praised the defender’s attributes, noting his speed, aerial ability, and quality in building up play.

Known for his composure under pressure and aggressive style out of possession, Adarabioyo averaged 2.56 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premier League last season.

His prior experience playing alongside key Super Eagles stars such as Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Ademola Lookman is seen as a potential advantage if he joins the Nigeria squad.

However, despite Eguavoen’s recognition of Adarabioyo’s abilities, the coach hinted that the defender is unlikely to be included in the upcoming squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya in October.

Eguavoen suggested he would stick with the same approach that secured four points from two games against Benin Republic and Rwanda, keeping the Super Eagles at the top of Group D.

“The players were willing to do it in the first two games, and they still want to do it. It’s completely up to them—we can only advise them,” Eguavoen stated when asked about his strategy for the double-header against Libya. A back-to-back victory next month could seal an early qualification for the three-time African champions.

While Adarabioyo’s immediate inclusion remains uncertain, his monitoring by the Super Eagles’ coaching staff keeps the door open for future opportunities to represent Nigeria on the international stage.