Interim Super Eagles coach, Augustine Eguavoen has addressed speculation regarding Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo potential inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Following reports rumoring Adarabioyo set for his first call-up, Eguavoen clarified that no direct communication has occurred between him and the 27-year-old.
“I didn’t speak with Tosin, but he’s a good player,” Eguavoen said in an interview with Premium Times.
“He’s one of the players we’re monitoring. Every Nigerian playing worldwide has the right to play for Nigeria, including Tosin.”
“Same approach, the players were willing to do it (then) and they still want to do it, and it’s completely up to them. We can only advise them.”
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Tosin Adarabioyo is eligible to represent both England and Nigeria.
Following his exclusion from England’s squad for the 2024 European Championship, it is believed that the Chelsea defender might now be considering committing his international future to Nigeria.
However, Eguavoen ststed that Adarabioyo’s inclusion for the upcoming AFCON doubleheader against Libya is unlikely.
Instead, he plans to rely on the defensive trio of William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey, who featured in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic and a goalless draw against Rwanda in September.
Eguavoen said he he prefers consistency in his defensive line-up.
The Super Eagles currently lead Group D with four points from two matches and aim to solidify their position with back-to-back victories against Libya next month, which could secure their qualification for AFCON 2024.
