Tosin Adarabioyo: OdumoduBlvck Narrates How He Convinced Chelsea Defender To Play for Nigeria
- Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo is set to pledge his international allegiance to Nigeria after years in England’s youth system
- Rapper OdumoduBlvck claims he personally convinced the 26-year-old Blues defender to choose the Super Eagles
- The Nigeria Football Federation expects Tosin’s decision to be finalised soon, boosting Nigeria’s defensive depth
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo is reportedly set to pledge his international allegiance to Nigeria, marking a major win for the Super Eagles.
The 26-year-old, who was born in Manchester to Nigerian parents, has long been a part of England’s youth setup but never earned a senior cap.
Source: Getty Images
After years of waiting, Tosin’s visit to Nigeria earlier this year and encouragement from Nigerian rapper OdumoduBlvck appear to have contributed to the final decision taken by the Chelsea defender.
Tosin puts England past behind
Tosin has represented England at the U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-19 levels, making him one of the most experienced defenders in England’s youth ranks.
Despite this, the Chelsea centre-back has never been invited to the Three Lions team, leaving the door open for a switch to represent his parents’ country, Punch reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had long monitored his progress, reportedly including the 26-year-old defender in a long list of potential call-ups during his time at Fulham.
However, Tosin initially preferred to keep his options open, as many believed he was holding out for an England senior invitation.
In July, the defender visited Nigeria for the first time, meeting government officials and NFF officials.
Sources suggest this trip played a key role in changing his mind, allowing him to connect with his roots and consider a Super Eagles career seriously.
OdumoduBlvck takes credit for Tosin’s switch
While the NFF worked behind the scenes, it was Nigerian rapper OdumoduBlvck who publicly claimed credit for convincing Tosin to choose Nigeria.
Source: Twitter
The rapper, known for his World smash hit Declan Rice, shared on X (formerly Twitter) how he directly encouraged the Chelsea defender to pick Nigeria over his country of birth, England.
“Agent KALA! Literally walked up to my man and said, ‘You need to play for Nigeria.’ He said, ‘Don’t worry.’ Naija for life ❤️😭,” OdumoduBlvck posted after the news surfaced.
The music star reportedly met Tosin in England while promoting his forthcoming studio album.
His lighthearted but proud claim highlights the growing influence of music artists who share a deep connection with some of the foreign-born players.
NFF confident of securing Tosin’s commitment
Sources close to the NFF told SportsBoom that Tosin is expected to finalise his commitment to the Super Eagles, barring any last-minute changes.
The Chelsea star’s addition could be a major boost to Nigeria’s defensive options ahead of upcoming international fixtures, with the World Cup qualifiers set to resume.
If completed, Tosin will join the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who towed similar parts but are now key players for the Super Eagles.
Tosin chooses between Nigeria and England
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Tosin has reportedly decided which country he will represent at the international level after years of deliberating between England and Nigeria.
He helped the Blues win the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup in his first season at the club, playing a crucial role in the former.
Source: Legit.ng
