A fierce online storm has erupted as Nigerian football fans unleash a wave of criticism at Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo after his error-ridden display in the Blues’ 3–1 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road.
Adarabioyo, who has been widely discussed as a potential Super Eagles defender, suffered a nightmare evening that has now fuelled calls for him to be kept far away from Nigeria’s national team setup.
Adarabioyo’s blunder sparks national outrage
Chelsea, heavily rotated due to suspension and player rest, was shaky from the start. Leeds punished them immediately, with Jaka Bijol’s header and Ao Tanaka’s superb finish putting Maresca’s side under heavy pressure.
Pedro Neto briefly revived hope with a well-taken goal early in the second half, but Adarabioyo’s costly back-pass intercepted before eventually being put away by Dominic Calvert-Lewin sealed Chelsea’s fate.
The defender endured a brutal outing statistically as well, losing possession nine times and winning just one of his three ground duels. Those numbers intensified the anger among Nigerian fans, many of whom had been excited about the possibility of the British-born centre-back joining the Super Eagles.
What Nigerian fans said
Social media erupted almost immediately after full-time, with many fans insisting Adarabioyo should be nowhere near the Nigerian national team.
One furious supporter wrote:
“Keep him away from the Super Eagles!”
Another questioned the hype entirely:
“Na this Tosin una dey beg to play for Super Eagles???”
The frustration was widespread, with another user adding:
“Two errors, not one. Two blatant errors.”
Some fans warned that their patience is “running dangerously thin,” underscoring how much doubt Adarabioyo’s performance has created just months before the 2025 AFCON.
A dilemma for Eric Chelle
With Nigeria’s provisional squad for AFCON 2025 already released, national team coach Eric Chelle is now under pressure to reassess his selection. The backlash has sparked a critical debate:
Should Adarabioyo still be considered for the Super Eagles after such a high-profile meltdown?
As scrutiny intensifies and public opinion remains sharply divided, Chelle’s next move may significantly shape Nigeria’s defensive setup and possibly Adarabioyo’s international future.
