'On the back foot' - West Ham icon blames centre-back wanted by Nigeria for Aribo's goal v Chelsea

West Ham legend Tony Gale has pointed the finger at Tosin Adarabioyo for his role in Joe Aribo's goal during Southampton's 5-1 defeat to Chelsea at St. Mary's Stadium on Wednesday night.

The goal, scored in the seventh minute, came shortly after Chelsea had taken the lead through Axel Disasi's header from a corner. 

As the Saints looked to respond quickly, Aribo capitalized on a well-executed cross from Kyle Walker-Peters.

The Super Eagles midfielder managed to get across Tosin, who was caught on the backfoot, and slotted the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen to bring Southampton level.

Gale, analyzing the goal during commentary on the Premier League world feed, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, highlighted Tosin's mistake.

"This is the error here. As you said Enzo Fernández, look. Gets a little bit lucky, ball whipped in and Aribo gets across his marker Tosin. Tosin is on the back foot as well," Gale remarked.

"There is the challenge that should have been made, there is a good ball in and an easy finish from Aribo." 

Aribo’s goal was his second of the season in 13 matches in the English top flight. 

The midfielder, who has been a regular for Nigeria in the past, has not been included in recent Super Eagles call-ups.

However, he will be hoping that his renewed form can attract attention from interim manager Austin Eguavoen ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, with Nigeria set to face Rwanda next year.

Meanwhile, Tosin, who is still eligible to represent Nigeria despite his past involvement with England’s youth teams, had initially been contacted by Nigeria.

The fact of the matter is that erstwhile Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro contacted the former Fulham star about playing for Nigeria.

Peseiro mentioned that he plans to speak with Tosin again in the future, but since his departure, no subsequent Super Eagles coaches, including Finidi George and Augustine Eguavoen, have contacted the player.

Adeyemi Adewale

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