“I eat pounded yam” Chelsea defender talks about his Nigerian roots

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has reaffirmed his deep-rooted connection to his Nigerian heritage, despite being born and raised in England. The 27-year-old centre-back, who has represented England at youth levels, shared insights into his upbringing that was heavily influenced by Nigerian culture.

In a recent interview, Adarabioyo highlighted the significance of his family’s traditions, stating, “We’re very much a Nigerian family, and it was a Nigerian upbringing, whether that’s the food or traditionally the way we’ve been brought up, which is a bit different to how it would be here.”

He emphasized the role of traditional Nigerian kitchen in his development, he said, “The food is harder, stuff like pounded yam, stuff that makes you strong!”

Adarabioyo remains eligible to represent Nigeria at the senior international level, despite his previous appearances for England’s youth teams. His cultural heritage and potential availability make him an attractive prospect for the Super Eagles and their defensive woes.​

Having joined Chelsea from Fulham in June 2024, Tosin Adarabioyo has been an integral part of the Blues’ defensive lineup under manager Enzo Maresca. His performances has continued to draw attention, both for his on-field contributions and his off-field connections to his Nigeria heritage.​