Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who recently lifted the FIFA Club World Cup with the London-based Premier League side, has paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as part of his ongoing visit to Nigeria.
The 27-year-old centre-back, who joined Chelsea in June 2024, was warmly received by Governor Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House in Marina on Tuesday. Adarabioyo, born in London to Nigerian parents, is currently in the country on a homecoming tour, reconnecting with his roots and engaging in community-based football initiatives aimed at nurturing young talents.
The football star was part of Chelsea’s squad that recently won the revamped FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States, marking a significant milestone in his career. Though he didn’t feature in every match, his presence in the championship-winning team has further elevated his profile on the global football stage.
Governor Sanwo-Olu took to his official Facebook page shortly after the visit to share pictures and commend the young defender. In his post, the governor wrote:
“Tosin Adarabioyo, who plays for Chelsea, stopped by to visit while he’s in Nigeria. It’s always inspiring to meet young Nigerians making their mark internationally, who remain grounded and stay connected to home.”
The visit comes ahead of the much-anticipated Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup, a grassroots football competition he is personally sponsoring and organising during his stay in Lagos. The tournament is set to kick off on Tuesday, July 23, and will feature four promising teams: 36 Lion FC, Mavilon FC, Seamoriow Football Academy, and a side representing the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA). The event aims to spotlight local football talent and offer young players a platform to showcase their skills under the watchful eyes of scouts and coaches.
Adarabioyo, who has represented England at various youth levels, remains eligible to play for Nigeria at senior level. While he is yet to make an appearance for the Three Lions, the defender has long been linked with a potential switch to the Super Eagles. His growing engagement with Nigerian football circles, such as this visit and his grassroots tournament, has reignited speculation that a decision to represent Nigeria may be on the horizon.
During his visit, Adarabioyo is also expected to meet with youth leaders, engage with football academies, and explore ways to support sports development in the state. His presence in Nigeria not only highlights the increasing influence of the Nigerian diaspora in global sports but also reflects a commitment to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of footballers.
