Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo Launches Youth Football Tournament In Lagos To Nurture Talent.
Chelsea FC defender Tosin Adarabioyo has launched the inaugural Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup in Lagos, a grassroots football tournament aimed at discovering and nurturing young talent. The event, held on 23 July 2025 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, marked the 27-year-old’s first visit to Nigeria, where he was born to Nigerian parents. The tournament, organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), saw Eko Boys FC clinch the title with a 1-0 victory over 36 Lion FC in a thrilling final.
The one-day mini-tournament featured four teams – Eko Boys FC, 36 Lion FC, Mavlon FC, and Seamoriow Football Academy – competing in a knockout format. Adarabioyo, who recently helped Chelsea secure the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League titles, described the initiative as a personal mission to give back to his ancestral homeland. “It’s a great feeling to be in Nigeria for the first time,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria. “Grassroots football is the foundation for success, and I want to use my platform to inspire young players.”
The event drew young footballers, coaches, scouts, and fans, creating an electric atmosphere at the historic Onikan Stadium. Adarabioyo, who mingled with players and supporters during a meet-and-greet session, praised the participants’ discipline and teamwork. “These young players showed incredible passion and potential. With hard work, they can go far,” he said, expressing hopes that the tournament would expand into a national competition in future editions.
Adarabioyo’s visit also included courtesy calls to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Oba of Lagos, moments he described as “profoundly meaningful” in reconnecting with his roots. Governor Sanwo-Olu, sharing photos of the visit on social media, commended the defender’s commitment to his heritage. “It’s inspiring to meet young Nigerians making their mark globally while staying grounded,” he wrote.
The tournament is part of Adarabioyo’s broader vision to empower Nigerian youth through sport. He emphasised the need for investment in infrastructure, marketing, and player development to ensure talents are not overlooked. “Football is a global industry, and Nigeria has players who can succeed internationally with the right support,” he told ARISE NEWS. The event attracted attention from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with ongoing discussions about Adarabioyo’s potential inclusion in the Super Eagles, though he remains focused on club football for now.
Fans and analysts have hailed the Youth Cup as a promising step towards strengthening Nigeria’s football ecosystem. Local coach Adewale Johnson noted, “This tournament gives our young players a platform to shine and inspires them to dream big.” With Adarabioyo’s pledge to sustain the initiative, there is optimism that the Tosin Adarabioyo Youth Cup will become a cornerstone for unearthing Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.
