Latest news with #TosinAdarabioyo
BBC News
a day ago
- Sport
- BBC News
England-Nigeria decision coming soon
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo recognises he needs to decide "sooner or later" whether his international future lies with England or 27-year-old has yet to receive an international call-up for either his nation of birth, England, or parentage, Nigeria with the World Cup taking place in the United States in about his hopes for playing international football, Adarabioyo said: "The World Cup means it is a decision I need to take sooner rather than later. It is a conversation we will have and we will see how it goes."The centre-back, born in Manchester, has been open to playing for England, representing the country from under-16s to under-19s, and being on Gareth Southgate's long list while playing at Fulham. However, he has yet to receive a formal terms of Nigeria, Adarabioyo has previously denied turning down any call-ups in the past. Sources say there was caution in making any decisions after his recent move to Chelsea, with the defender publicly stating he wanted to focus on club football this season. Adarabioyo is proud to have familial ties with Nigeria and last year his camp received informal contact from them. Now, with stability at Chelsea after playing 39 games this season, Adarabioyo is approaching decision time should a call-up several sources at Chelsea have praised the defender's off-field influence, especially at the Club World Cup where players are away from their families and with a lot of free time on their hands. They highlighted his close relationship with star player Cole Palmer and nickname 'Uncle' as evidence of his influence as one of a number of leaders in the squad. "I settled very quickly when I came and took on that leadership role to try and help the boys whenever I can," Adarabioyo added. "At Fulham, I was actually one of the youngest and now to come here and be one of the eldest, it's quite funny. But wherever I've been I've always been one of the leaders in the team."One example of Adarabioyo's leadership was encouraging Palmer to say more in a man-of-the-match interview after the Conference League final, with the forward in turn filmed applauding his friend after winning 'Superior Player of the Match' in a viral video after the 3-0 win over ES Tunis on Tuesday night. "No, I'm not a mentor (for Palmer), but I was looking after him a little bit," he added. "He's a top, top player who doesn't need advice from me to know what he has to do but I'm there whenever he needs me. "I banter him sometimes and tells he's a little superstar. He handles it very well."
Arab News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Delap makes his mark as Premier League clubs' hunt for strikers hots up
DUBAI: It was third time lucky for Chelsea's new striker Liam Delap — who arrived from Ipswich Town earlier this month — when he opened his account on Wednesday for the Blues in their 3-0 win over ES Tunis at the FIFA Club World Cup. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Following last Friday's 3-1 defeat at the hands of Flamengo, Enzo Maresca's team required a victory for a place in the knockout stages of a competition they won in 2022. The result never looked in doubt once defender Tosin Adarabioyo had given them the lead with a well-taken header. The advantage was doubled moments later as Delap scored his first Chelsea goal, collecting a pass from Enzo Fernandez before holding off one challenge, evading another and dispatching a low drive into the bottom corner. It was brilliant center-forward play, combining strength, skill and a killer instinct in front of goal. For any striker, their first goal at a new club, regardless of the competition or opposition, is an important milestone. It settles early nerves, eliminates any negative outside noise and helps to build a positive relationship with the fans, who enjoy nothing more than watching a new forward showcase his goalscoring capabilities. Delap, who confidently took the Chelsea No. 9 shirt after signing, had shown encouraging signs during his first two performances at the tournament. In their opening fixture, a 2-0 win over Los Angeles FC, the 22-year-old came off the bench and made an instant impact, providing a superb cross which was converted by Fernandez to put the game to bed. He was then handed his first start against Flamengo and proved a handful for opposition defenders prior to his withdrawal shortly after the hour mark with his replacement, Nicolas Jackson, shown a red card for a reckless challenge just four minutes after coming on. With Jackson's one-match ban extended to two following a FIFA disciplinary committee review, Delap is likely to start once again when Chelsea face Benfica in the round of 16 on Saturday, providing the youngster with another opportunity to stake his claim. It is a summer transfer market in which many of the Premier League's biggest sides are on the hunt for strikers, and Chelsea appear to have stolen a march on their rivals. Had Arsenal invested in a proven goalscorer in the last couple of years, they could easily have won a title under Mikel Arteta's stewardship. The fact he was forced to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker during last season's run-in spoke volumes, and so the search goes on. Manchester United are yet to reap the rewards of their investment in Rasmus Hojlund who has struggled since moving to Old Trafford in 2023. The recent signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the probable arrival of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, suggest Ruben Amorim is far from satisfied with the output of his current attackers. Yet while both players are undoubtedly strong additions who will elevate the United forward line, they are not traditional center forwards. Premier League champions Liverpool, who are certainly not short of attacking options, are also thought to be hunting for a striker, with rumors of an audacious bid for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak continuing to persist. That particular deal will be a difficult one to pull off, but Arne Slot clearly views the position as an area which needs strengthening, particularly if Darwin Nunez departs. Of the strikers available on the market, many of the headlines have focused on Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. While both players are clearly talented, any transfers would naturally involve a huge financial outlay, which many clubs are now wary of given the implications of the Profit and Sustainability Rules. For Chelsea, the signing of Delap makes perfect sense. As well as being young and hungry, he boasts Premier League experience having scored 12 goals for relegated Ipswich last season. Additionally, the fact he has played under Maresca, and alongside Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia, in Manchester City's academy, ensures he should quickly adapt to the team's playing style. Under the Clearlake ownership model, Chelsea have been widely criticized for spending huge sums of money on players who have failed to justify their price tags, with a few notable exceptions. The acquisition of Delap for $41 million, however, might just prove to be the club's smartest business move yet.
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Esperance exit Club World Cup after defeat to Chelsea
Published: Wednesday, 25 June 2025 Tunisian giants Esperance saw their FIFA Club World Cup journey come to an end after a clinical 3-0 defeat to English side Chelsea on Tuesday night. In a match where the North Africans needed a win to advance from Group D, two goals in first-half stoppage time by the Premier League side dismantled their hopes, despite a spirited showing that carried the ambition of an entire continent. Esperance, who had kept Chelsea at bay for 45 minutes, crumbled just before the interval. A pinpoint chipped free-kick from Enzo Fernandez found Tosin Adarabioyo, whose header broke the deadlock. Moments later, Liam Delap doubled the lead, capitalising on a lapse in concentration to slot home Chelsea's second. The second half offered little comfort. Chelsea, already assured of progress with a draw, introduced a host of young talents, including winger Tyrique George, who rifled in a stoppage-time third to underline their dominance. Yet, this scoreline fails to capture the early moments of defiance from the Tunisian side. Goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said made a string of saves to deny Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez, while Yassine Meriah produced a crucial goal-line clearance to momentarily keep Esperance's hopes alive. The defeat confirms Esperance's third-place finish in Group D, behind leaders Flamengo and Chelsea. Their early exit may sting, but their tactical bravery and organised structure showed why North African clubs remain continental powerhouses. For Esperance – one of Africa's most storied clubs – this was less about the result and more about learning, growth, and gaining exposure on the global stage. Coach Maher Kanzari had earlier emphasised that 'our goal was to gain experience from this competition,' and those words now carry deeper meaning. Esperance return home with valuable lessons and the pride of representing African football on one of the game's biggest platforms.
Ammon
3 days ago
- Sport
- Ammon
Chelsea cruise past Esperance, to face Benfica in Club World Cup knockout
Ammon News - Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap and Tyrique George saw Chelsea's second-string side secure a place in the round of 16 at the Club World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis in their final Group D match on Tuesday. Group winners Flamengo were held 1-1 by Los Angeles FC to finish on seven points, one ahead of Chelsea. Esperance finished third with three points while LA FC were bottom with one point. Chelsea next face Group C winners Benfica on Saturday at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, while Flamengo take on Bayern Munich, Group C runners-up, in Miami on Sunday. Despite the stakes, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca opted to rotate his squad once more, resting key players such as Cole Palmer and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. He was missing striker Nicolas Jackson, who will also be unavailable against Benfica as he serves a two-match suspension following his red card in Friday's 3-1 loss to Flamengo. Delap, a 30 million pounds ($40.66 million) signing from Ipswich Town, came close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute but his header was cleared off the line. Chelsea dominated possession in a lacklustre first half but struggled for creativity in the final third, with Delap squandering another golden chance in the 30th minute when he missed the target from close range. The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time when Adarabioyo rose highest to head the ball into the bottom left corner. Moments later Delap doubled Chelsea's lead, capitalising on a loose ball inside the box, cutting inside a defender and finishing neatly into the far corner. The second half saw Chelsea largely control proceedings without pressing for a third goal and their resolute defensive display ensured there was no way back for Esperance.
Dubai Eye
3 days ago
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Chelsea pass Esperance to face Benfica in Club World Cup knockout
Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Liam Delap and Tyrique George saw Chelsea's second-string side secure a place in the round of 16 at the Club World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Esperance de Tunis in their final Group D match on Tuesday. Group winners Flamengo were held 1-1 by Los Angeles FC to finish on seven points, one ahead of Chelsea. Esperance finished third with three points while LA FC were bottom with one point. Chelsea next face Group C winners Benfica on Saturday at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, while Flamengo take on Bayern Munich, Group C runners-up, in Miami on Sunday. Despite the stakes, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca opted to rotate his squad once more, resting key players such as Cole Palmer and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. He was missing striker Nicolas Jackson, who will also be unavailable against Benfica as he serves a two-match suspension following his red card in Friday's 3-1 loss to Flamengo. Delap, a 30 million pounds ($40.66 million) signing from Ipswich Town, came close to opening the scoring in the 20th minute but his header was cleared off the line. Chelsea dominated possession in a lacklustre first half but struggled for creativity in the final third, with Delap squandering another golden chance in the 30th minute when he missed the target from close range. The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time when Adarabioyo rose highest to head the ball into the bottom left corner. Moments later Delap doubled Chelsea's lead, capitalising on a loose ball inside the box, cutting inside a defender and finishing neatly into the far corner. The second half saw Chelsea largely control proceedings without pressing for a third goal and their resolute defensive display ensured there was no way back for Esperance. The London side made it 3-0 when substitute George fired home from the edge of the box deep in added time.
