The Lagos State Football Association has teamed up with Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo to launch the inaugural edition of the Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup, set to take place today at the Onikan Stadium, Bold Sports reports.
The competition is designed to uncover and promote grassroots football talent, while also offering Adarabioyo a personal opportunity to reconnect with his Nigerian heritage. Ahead of the tournament, the 27-year-old also paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Four teams — 36 Lion FC, Mavlon FC, Seamoriow FC, and Eko Football Boys — will compete in the tournament. The format will feature semifinal matches consisting of two 30-minute halves, with the winners advancing to the final, which will also follow the same time structure.
Adarabioyo played a significant role in Chelsea’s recent Club World Cup triumph. While he did not feature in the final, the centre-back contributed heavily in the buildup, playing 320 minutes during the tournament and netting a crucial goal against Esperance to secure Chelsea’s place in the knockout stages.
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Before the Club World Cup, the former Fulham man was instrumental in Chelsea’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League and stood out during their victorious Conference League campaign. Across the season, he made 41 appearances, scored five goals, and helped keep several clean sheets.
Adarabioyo’s involvement in the youth tournament has sparked fresh speculation about a potential switch to represent Nigeria at the international level.
Although reports previously claimed he had declined a Super Eagles invitation, the defender has since refuted those claims, stating that a decision on his international future is still under consideration and will be made soon.
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