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Super Eagles legend John Obi Mikel's stance against players with dual nationality could see Nigeria miss out on the Chelsea defender
Despite the excitement surrounding a possible international switch from England to Nigeria, it appears that not everyone is or should be happy about the Chelsea defender strengthening the Super Eagles' back line.
Adarabioyo set for Nigeria switch
Chelsea defender Aarabioyo is reportedly set to switch his international allegiance to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
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The Manchester City academy graduate has impressed since becoming a Premier League regular with Fulham before moving to Chelsea this summer but has still been unable to secure a call-up to the England national team.
Despite playing 14 times for England’s youth teams across U16, U17, U18, and U19 levels, Adarabioyo has not been able to crack the senior national team, falling low in the pecking order with both Gareth Southgate and Lee Carsley.
After previously rejecting the chance to play for Nigeria, Adarabioyo expressed interest in playing for the Super Eagles in 2020, and four years later he appears set to get his wish.
Journalist mocks Mikel’s take on dual nationals
While Adarabioyo’s allegiance to the Super Eagles looks to be a major capture given the nature of the team’s current ageing defence, it looks as though not everyone will be happy about the Chelsea star’s nationality switch.
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Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba jokingly noted that Adarabioyo’s switch to Nigeria will go against the moral stance taken by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel, who has been vocal about his disdain for players choosing Nigeria as a second choice.
Replying to a report linking Adarabioyo to Nigeria, the veteran journalist quipped on his X account, “Mikel will not accept. He is already 27.”
Super Eagles legend Mikel had previously reiterated his stance about players with dual nationalities, asking them to stick with their early career decisions, but given the quality that Adarabioyo brings to the team, it remains to be seen if the former Chelsea star will be willing to make an exception for his brother in blue.
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