Tosin Adarabioyo and the Super Eagles: Why It’s Now or Never for the Chelsea Defender

There comes a point in every footballer’s career when the wait, the hesitation, the endless what-ifs finally give way to a moment of truth. For Tosin Adarabioyo, that time is now.

The Chelsea defender, long courted by Nigeria, is standing at the threshold of an international decision that could define the rest of his footballing life.

The Super Eagles, once blessed with commanding defenders, are now navigating stormy waters at the back.

William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, and Semi Ajayi – pillars of the 2019, 2021 and 2023 generations – are all on the wrong side of 30. Chidozie Awaziem, Kevin Akpoguma, and Jordan Torunarigha have been given occasional runs but none have truly convinced.

The consequence has been brutal. Nigeria’s defensive frailties cost them a direct ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Matches that could have been closed out with a solid backline ended in heartbreak.

At the moment, Calvin Bassey stands alone as the most dependable centre-back in the squad, a worrying reality for a nation of over 200 million football lovers.

The months ahead are critical. Nigeria can still reach the 2026 World Cup through the continental playoffs in November, and the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco follows in December. Both tournaments demand tactical maturity and defensive composure; two things Adarabioyo has in abundance.

Born in Manchester to Nigerian parents, the 28-year-old centre-back knows where his roots lie. Yet, Tosin Adarabioyo has patiently watched as successive England managers looked past him for the Three Lions.

After years of being snubbed, he now appears ready to embrace his heritage. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly made overtures, keeping the conversation warm.

Still, Tosin Adarabioyo insists he will take his time before deciding. Fair enough. it’s his career, and international allegiance isn’t a decision to be made lightly. But time, as Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle might soon remind him, is running out.

Why Nigeria need Tosin Adarabioyo now ahead of the World Cup playoffs

Nigeria’s situation is urgent.

The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the first semifinal of the African playoff series in November. It is a match that could make or break Nigeria’s World Cup dream.

Semi Ajayi is suspended for that crucial encounter, leaving Chelle short on reliable options at centre-back.

Youngster Benjamin Fredrick is likely to partner Bassey. Fredrick has been excellent since making his debut in June, showing composure far beyond his 20 years. But Gabon is not just another qualifier; it’s a definitive battle featuring two of the most lethal forwards in African football.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remains a proven predator, the kind who turns half-chances into goals.

Alongside him is Denis Bouanga, the Los Angeles FC forward who was third on the qualifiers’ scoring charts with eight goals, one more than Aubameyang. Together, the pair accounted for 15 of Gabon’s 22 goals. They are the stuff of defenders’ nightmares.

Against such firepower, Nigeria need more than youthful enthusiasm. It needs experience, and that’s where Tosin Adarabioyo fits perfectly.

The Chelsea man has already faced the likes of Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Alexander Isak.

He lifted the EFL Cup with Manchester City in 2018 and, this year, celebrated both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles with Chelsea. Pressure situations are familiar territory.

Should Nigeria clear Gabon, sterner tests await. Cameroon or DR Congo will stand in their way in the playoff final, two nations steeped in football history and defensive ruthlessness. Cameroon are five-time African champions; DR Congo reached the semifinals of the last AFCON. There will be no easy games, and no room for defensive errors.

The truth is stark: Nigeria need Adarabioyo.

But they also need fresh legs around him. Right-back Ola Aina is out injured until December and might miss the AFCON altogether. His deputy, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has also been battling fitness issues. That means reinforcements are urgently required.

Brentford’s Michael Kayode, who joined from Fiorentina this summer, has been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages. In the MLS, standout defender Osaze Urhoghide continues to impress for FC Dallas. Both could add depth to a stretched Nigerian defence. But Adarabioyo remains the jewel the Super Eagles truly covet.

Why the doors will be shut to him on the eve of the World Cup

Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle is expected to reach out to Adarabioyo once again before naming his squad for the November playoffs. Should Tosin finally give the nod, it would be a huge morale boost, not just to the team, but to millions of fans who have long dreamt of seeing him in green and white.

But if Tosin Adarabioyo delays again, he risks being left behind for good. Nigeria have seen this movie before. Players who once turned down early invitations later came begging to be included once success arrived. It didn’t end well.

The mood within the Nigerian football community is clear: the Super Eagles will not entertain last-minute converts if they manage to qualify for the World Cup without them.

In plain English, if Nigeria reach the World Cup without Adarabioyo’s help, he shouldn’t expect a late call-up to the final squad. Football is unforgiving like that. The same fans who have pleaded for him to join will be the first to slam the door in his face.

Because, let’s face it, Nigeria is never short of talent. From the Premier League to Serie A, from the Bundesliga to the MLS Nigerian defenders are gaining valuable experience across the globe. The competition is fierce, and while Adarabioyo may be the most celebrated name today, that spotlight can shift quickly.

The clock is ticking for the Chelsea man. The playoffs and AFCON are around the corner. If he means to wear the green jersey, this is the moment. Not after the dust settles. Not when the plane to North America is already full.

In football, as in life, timing is everything. Tosin Adarabioyo’s has to be now.

Because, truly, it’s now or never.