FIFA has reportedly rejected Tottenham Hotspur defender Tosin Adarabioyo’s application to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, dealing a potential blow to the Super Eagles’ hopes of securing his services.
The reported decision could prevent the 28-year-old centre-back from representing Nigeria, despite growing interest in his possible inclusion in the national team as the country seeks to strengthen its defensive options.
Adarabioyo, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, had emerged as a potential addition to the Super Eagles following discussions about his eligibility to represent the country at senior international level.
The Tottenham defender previously featured for England at youth level, a factor that made a change of international allegiance necessary before he could become eligible to play for Nigeria.
His potential switch had raised expectations among Nigerian supporters, with his experience in English football expected to provide additional quality and competition in the Super Eagles’ central defence.
However, the reported rejection of his application has cast doubt on the possibility of him representing Nigeria, although details surrounding FIFA’s decision and the specific grounds for the rejection were not provided in the report.
Adarabioyo has yet to make his senior international debut for England, leaving his long-term international future uncertain.
A breakthrough into the Three Lions’ senior squad could still offer him an opportunity to represent the country of his birth.
