A firestorm has erupted among Nigerian football supporters, demanding that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle immediately exclude Premier League defender Tosin Adarabioyo from the national team following a calamitous performance for Chelsea against Leeds United.
The British-born center-back has become the focus of a massive online campaign after his defensive errors were instrumental in Chelsea’s shock 3-1 defeat at Elland Road. The tipping point for fans was Adarabioyo’s sloppily intercepted back-pass, which gifted Leeds the decisive goal, effectively sealing a painful night for the Blues.
Despite a brief recovery with a second-half goal from Pedro Neto, the game was defined by Chelsea’s shaky defense, missing key players, and Adarabioyo’s poor statistics, including losing possession a staggering nine times and winning a mere one out of three ground duels.
The immediate public outcry was fierce, with social media commentary overwhelming the debate. Fans left no room for interpretation, with one demanding, “Keep him Away from the Super Eagles,” and another scornfully asking, “Na this Tosin una deh beg to play for Super Eagles???” The clear consensus is that the defender is a significant liability on the international stage.
As the Super Eagles look ahead to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, this intense public pressure forces a major dilemma onto Coach Chelle. Nigerians are now openly demanding that the coach heed their frustration and make a definitive decision to drop Adarabioyo, signaling that patience with the potential international is wearing dangerously thin. Chelle’s handling of this high-profile squad selection has become a defining moment for the future of the Super Eagles’ defensive lineup.
