Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has denied claims that he refused an invitation to represent Nigeria at senior level and has reiterated his commitment to keeping his options open between the Super Eagles and England’s national teams.
Adarabioyo, 27, spoke to reporters after Fulham’s home draw against Brighton, addressing recent media reports that suggested he had snubbed a call-up from Nigeria’s coach.
The London-born centre-back, who has featured for England’s youth sides up to under-21 level, said he has always held the Super Eagles in high regard and has never formally declined an invitation to play for Nigeria.
“I have never turned down Nigeria,” Adarabioyo told journalists. “I’ve always been proud of my Nigerian roots and will make the right choice when the time comes.”
His comments follow speculation that he had rejected an invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last year, shortly after he helped Fulham secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Adarabioyo rose through Manchester City’s youth academy before moving to Fulham on a permanent deal in 2018.
He quickly established himself as a key defender under then-manager Scott Parker and was an ever-present figure in Fulham’s rise from the Championship to the Premier League.
He has since become one of Fulham’s most reliable performers, playing over 200 games in all competitions for the London club.
Despite his steady club form, Adarabioyo’s international career has remained uncertain.
He represented England at under-17, under-19, under-20, and under-21 levels but has not received a senior call-up from either England or Nigeria.
England has shown interest in the past, with cap-tying call-ups discussed during Gareth Southgate’s tenure, but no formal invitation has materialised to date.
Meanwhile, the NFF is keen to bolster its defensive options ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and has scouted several Europe-based defenders of Nigerian descent.
In recent months, Nigeria’s head coach, Finidi George, publicly expressed his wish to have Adarabioyo in the squad, citing the player’s physical presence and tactical awareness as assets.
The 1.88-metre centre-back is known for his aerial strength, precise tackling, and ability to play the ball out from the back, qualities that align with modern defensive standards.
Adarabioyo’s Nigerian heritage comes through both his parents, who emigrated from Lagos to the United Kingdom in the early 1990s.
He has often spoken fondly of visits to Nigeria as a child and credits his family’s support for grounding him throughout his career.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Adarabioyo said he feels equally at home in both England and Nigeria and would make his international choice based on where he could make the most impact.
“I want to play at the highest level and help whichever team I join to achieve its goals,” he said. “I still have to think about where I can get regular minutes and play in major tournaments.”
Under FIFA rules, a player who has not yet played a competitive senior match may switch allegiance if they hold citizenship for another country.
Adarabioyo is therefore free to choose between England and Nigeria until he makes his competitive debut for one of the senior sides.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have qualified for every World Cup since 1994 and are preparing for the 2026 qualifiers, which start later this year.
The NFF is under pressure to assemble a strong squad, particularly in defence, as the team looks to improve on past performances where defensive lapses have cost them key matches.
Finidi George took charge of Nigeria earlier this year after the dismissal of Jose Peseiro, who guided the team through the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and failed to advance past the group stage.
George’s initial squad selections have focused on integrating young talents and adding experience to shore up the backline.
He has already secured the commitments of other dual-nationals, such as goalkeeper Karl Ikeme and defender Semi Ajayi, demonstrating the federation’s willingness to recruit from the diaspora.
The Super Eagles’ next assignment is a friendly against Algeria in June, followed by qualifiers against Ghana and Cameroon in September.
Adarabioyo could feature in either the friendly or qualifiers if he decides to pledge allegiance to Nigeria in time.
On the other hand, England is rebuilding under new manager Steve Holland, who succeeded Gareth Southgate after the latter’s departure following the 2024 European Championship.
Holland has called up several young defenders in recent training camps but has yet to offer Adarabioyo a senior cap.
England’s defensive ranks include established names such as John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Marc Guehi, making competition for places fierce.
Southgate’s policy of gradually integrating young talents could work in Adarabioyo’s favour should Holland wish to follow a similar path.
However, with the European Championship set for 2026 and World Cup qualifiers beginning this autumn, timing could be crucial for Adarabioyo’s decision.
In his statement, Adarabioyo said he will discuss the matter with his family and representatives before committing to either side.
“I have to speak with my loved ones and think about my career,” he said. “When I decide, I will tell everyone.”
Fulham manager Marco Silva weighed in on the debate, praising Adarabioyo’s attitude and hoping his player makes a choice that boosts his confidence and performance.
“Tosin is a professional who always gives his best for Fulham,” Silva said. “I respect his decision and will support him no matter which national team he picks.”
Silva added that an international call-up could help Adarabioyo develop further by exposing him to different playing styles and higher-level competition.
Fulham’s next match is against Manchester United at Old Trafford on June 1, a fixture that could define the club’s push for mid-table security.
Adarabioyo is expected to start in central defence alongside Tosin Chamberlain, pairing that Silva believes offers both solidity and passing ability from the back.
If Adarabioyo features against United, he will likely face fellow England hopefuls Harry Maguire and Mason Mount, adding another layer of intrigue to his international ambitions.
Off the pitch, Adarabioyo is involved in community projects supporting youth football in south London and Lagos, reflecting his dual heritage.
He hosts annual clinics that introduce young players to technical drills and life skills workshops aimed at encouraging education alongside sport.
His charitable work has earned him praise from both English and Nigerian media, highlighting his off-field commitment to giving back.
As the debate over his national allegiance continues, fans in Nigeria and England alike will be watching closely for signs of where his future lies.
