World football governing body FIFA has reportedly rejected Tottenham Hotspur defender Tosin Adarabioyo’s application to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.
The 29-year-old, who was born in London to Nigerian parents of Yoruba origin, had been linked with a potential switch to the Super Eagles as Nigeria sought to strengthen its defensive options.
However, FIFA’s reported decision means the defender cannot currently represent Nigeria, dealing a setback to the country’s hopes of adding his experience and quality to the central defensive department.
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Adarabioyo previously represented England at youth international level, making 14 appearances across the U-16, U-17, U-18 and U-19 teams. He is yet to make his senior debut for the Three Lions.
Born at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, Adarabioyo was raised in Manchester, where he attended Chorlton High School and St Bede’s College.
He began his football journey at age five after joining Manchester City’s academy, where the club’s head of recruitment, Terry John, spotted him.
Adarabioyo progressed through Man City’s youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2016. He later became the club’s youngest player to start a UEFA Champions League match and made eight senior appearances across all competitions.
He had loan spells at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers before joining Fulham on a permanent deal in July 2020.
The defender moved to Chelsea in 2024 before joining Tottenham Hotspur, where he continues his Premier League career.
Despite his England youth appearances, Adarabioyo had remained eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents, making the reported rejection of his switch application a significant development for the Super Eagles.
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