Chelsea FC defender Tosin Adarabioyo paid a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday, as he continues his homecoming tour in Nigeria.
The visit comes just a day before a youth football tournament set to take place in his honour at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.
The Nigeria-born centre-back, who recently featured in Chelsea’s triumphant FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States — where they defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final — is currently in Lagos to reconnect with his roots and give back to the local football community.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who hosted Adarabioyo at Lagos House, expressed admiration for the Premier League star in a post on his official Instagram account.
“Tosin Adarabioyo, who plays for Chelsea, stopped by to visit while he’s in Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu wrote. “It’s always inspiring to meet young Nigerians making their mark internationally, who remain grounded and stay connected to home.”
The youth tournament, aimed at inspiring the next generation of Nigerian footballers, will see young talents from across Lagos compete on Wednesday.
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Organisers say Adarabioyo is expected to attend the event, where he’ll interact with players and fans.
The 26-year-old defender, who recently joined Chelsea from Fulham, has been vocal about his Nigerian heritage and frequently engages in initiatives that promote youth development and sports empowerment in Africa.
His visit comes at a time when Nigerian football is experiencing a resurgence, with increased investment in grassroots programs and infrastructure.
The state government’s collaboration with elite athletes like Adarabioyo signals a broader push to harness sports as a tool for youth engagement and social transformation.