NFF still pushing for Adarabioyo to represent Nigeria

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is still pushing for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo to play for the Super Eagles instead of the Three Lions of England at the international level.

UK-based news media, LondonWorld reports that the NFF is still keen to have Adarabioyo switch allegiance to Nigeria despite featuring frequently at youth level for England.

Adarabioyo is, however, still in limbo as regards which country to play for at the international level as he is yet to make his senior debut for England’s national team.

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“The player has already turned down two approaches, but the NFA is not giving up,” sources have told LondonWorld.

“The Blues defender held talks with former Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro in London before this year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON), but the Portuguese coach was unable to convince the then-Fulham player to play for the West African country.”

The Super Eagles are currently without a manager, following the resignation of Finidi George in June after spending only one month on the job.

Sources have, however, informed LondonWorld that high-ranking members of the NFF are keen to pursue Aderabioyo, having seen the success Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman who also switched allegiance has had with the Super Eagles.

Lookman had also initially rejected approaches from the NFF after representing England at the youth level before deciding to play for the country of his parents.

The former RB Leipzig attacker was, however, one of the standout players for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON and played a pivotal role, scoring three goals as the Super Eagles got to the final where they lost 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast.

LondonWorld, meanwhile, said it approached Adarabioyo’s camp to see if the centre-back had made up his mind on the country he woud love to play for but they said a decision had not been made yet.