Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has opened up about his Nigerian heritage, revealing that his father hails from Lagos State, while his mother is from Ekiti State.
The 27-year-old footballer, born in London and raised in Manchester, made the revelation during an interview with Arise News, reflecting on his journey in football and his close bond with teammate Cole Palmer.
“My mum is from Ekiti. Our plan is to go there and look around where my mum was raised and lived,” Tosin said.
“My brother will know better than me, my dad is from Lagos.”
Strong Manchester Connection
Adarabioyo also spoke about his childhood in Manchester, where he and Cole Palmer both rose through the ranks at Manchester City’s academy before making moves to the Premier League spotlight.
“I was born in London but was raised in Manchester. Cole [Palmer] is also from Manchester; we both played in the Manchester City academy. We have a lot of friends in common.”
The Chelsea centre-back is seen as one of Nigeria’s top diaspora talents, and his Nigerian fans have long hoped he will one day represent the Super Eagles at international level.
Courtesy Visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu
On Tuesday, Tosin paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, further emphasizing his strong connection to his father’s homeland. Photos from the visit quickly circulated on social media, sparking excitement among Nigerian football fans.
Rising Profile at Chelsea
Tosin Adarabioyo recently joined Chelsea FC on a free transfer from Fulham in 2024 and has already made a strong impression in preseason matches. Known for his composure, aerial ability, and ball-playing skills, he is expected to be a key figure in the Blues’ defensive line under manager Enzo Maresca.
