‘Adarabioyo can do it’ — World Cup winner tips Super Eagles hopeful for huge impact at Chelsea

Chelsea’s defensive plans for the 2025/26 season have taken a major hit following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury, but French World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf believes Tosin Adarabioyo has what it takes to fill the gap.

The Super Eagles-eligible defender is being tipped to make a big impact after an encouraging debut season at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on ESPN FC after Chelsea’s 2-0 pre-season win over Bayer Leverkusen, Leboeuf expressed confidence in both Tosin and Trevoh Chalobah to handle the challenge left by Colwill’s absence.

He praised Colwill as a natural leader in the backline but insisted the Blues have quality cover. “I believe that players like Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo can do the job,” Leboeuf said.

“It is a big blow because Colwill has proven he’s a real talented player and can have a bright future. Chalobah was called back from Crystal Palace last season and did very well until the rest of the season. Even Tosin can do the job.”

Adarabioyo joined Chelsea last summer on a free transfer from Fulham and quickly earned a reputation for his composure in possession, aerial dominance, and ability to contribute offensively.

With Colwill expected to miss most of the season, the 27-year-old former Manchester City defender now has a chance to cement himself as a key figure in Enzo Maresca’s plans.

Chelsea fans will be watching closely to see if the Super Eagles hopeful can build on his promising first campaign and deliver the consistency needed to keep the Blues competitive at the top.

Fans of Nigeria’s Super Eagles will also be keen to see how well Adarabioyo adapts to being thrust into Chelsea’s spotlight as he also ponders switching his nationality from England to Nigeria.