Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo Meets Governor Sanwo-Olu in Lagos, Launches Youth Cup for Nigerian Talent

News Report:Fresh off his Club World Cup victory with Chelsea FC, British-Nigerian defender Tosin Adarabioyo is making headlines—not just for his football success, but for his deepening ties with Nigeria. The 27-year-old was recently in Lagos, where he paid a high-profile courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Adarabioyo’s visit, which comes just days after Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final, marks a significant moment for the Nigerian diaspora community. His meeting with Governor Sanwo-Olu was part of a broader initiative to launch the Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup a grassroots football tournament aimed at inspiring young talent and reconnecting diaspora stars with their Nigerian heritage.

The Governor warmly received the London-born center-back at Lagos House, commending his efforts to give back to Nigeria through youth empowerment and sports development. "This is the kind of diaspora engagement we are proud of young professionals returning home to invest in their roots," said Sanwo-Olu during the private meeting.

The Youth Cup officially kicked off today at the iconic Onikan Stadium, with aspiring footballers from across Lagos State participating. Adarabioyo described the initiative as a passion project inspired by his upbringing and desire to create pathways for local players to reach international platforms.

In recent months, Adarabioyo has also addressed speculations about his future with the Super Eagles, clarifying that he has never rejected Nigeria and is open to representing the national team at the right time. His return to Nigeria and direct collaboration with Lagos State government adds a powerful layer to that commitment.

The visit has generated widespread praise across diaspora circles, with many lauding Adarabioyo’s decision to reconnect meaningfully with his Nigerian identity. Football journalist Tobi Adepoju captured the sentiment aptly: “I love how Nigerian players in the diaspora are coming home not just to visit, but to uplift.”

As Nigeria continues to harness the global influence of its diaspora community, Adarabioyo’s Lagos engagement serves as a blueprint for how sports and patriotism can intersect to drive impact.