Chelsea's new signing could ignore John Obi Mikel's advice and opt for international loyalty
Chelsea summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo is considering switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.
Doing so could irritate Chelsea legend Juan Obi Mikelwho explicitly revealed why players should not do so in the middle of their careers.
Adarabioyo signed for Chelsea during the summer after agreeing a free transfer following the expiration of his contract in Fulham.
After the departure of Thiago Silva For Fluminese, the Blues were eager to reinforce their defensive ranks while Manchester United He had been linked with Tosin before he opted to move to Stamford Bridge.
And the ex Manchester City The trainee could be on the verge of making another big career decision this summer as the Nigeria Football Association is keen for him to switch allegiances.
According London WorldThe Nigerian Football Federation is putting pressure on the defender to represent the Super Eagles.
Tosin has already rejected two proposals, but Nigeria believes it can still convince him to make the switch.
But doing so could irritate Mikel, who recently spoke out against players who joined Nigeria later in their careers rather than when they started.
He said on his Obi One podcast: “They want to play for England, France, whatever, and then they wait.
“When they get to 25 or 26 and they don't get a call-up to England, then they get a call-up to Nigeria.
“We should not be treated as a second choice. You should be proud of your African roots. You should be proud to represent your African country.
“If you decide you want to play for England, don’t be discouraged. Sit back and wait, but don’t wait until you’re 29 or 30, when you’re past your prime, and then say, ‘Oh, Nigerian FA, I’m ready to play for you now’. No, fuck off, mate.”
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Mikel is an undisputed legend of Nigeria, having represented the club from the U-17 level to the senior level, with which he played 91 matches between 2005 and 2019, as well as being captain.
Several players from the Nigeria squad represented England at youth level, including Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina.
The Super Eagles reached the AFCON final earlier this year before losing to Ivory Coast in the final with all three players in the starting line-up.
Tosin has even been a key part of the England national team, playing for the Under-16, Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 sides.
However, he has never been capped by the Three Lions and a decision on his international future has yet to be made.
