'My mum is from Ekiti' – Chelsea CB Tosin on his Nigerian heritage and bond with Cole Palmer

Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo has opened up about his Nigerian heritage and his close friendship with teammate Cole Palmer during his visit to Nigeria.

Speaking during his stay in Lagos, the Manchester City academy graduate revealed his plans to explore Ekiti State, where his mother hails from, and learn more about his maternal roots.

"My mum is from Ekiti. Our plan is to go there and look around where my mum was raised and lived," Tosin said on Arise News.

"My brother will know better than me, my dad is from Lagos."

Tosin, who was born in London and raised in Manchester, reflected on his footballing journey and the bond he shares with fellow Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

"I was born in London but was raised in Manchester. Cole is also from Manchester; we both played in the Manchester City academy. We have a lot of friends in common," he noted.

"So, when we joined up at Chelsea again, it was just a natural connection that we both had, and being very good friends. 

"He's like my little brother, and I'm his big brother. So, we got an amazing relationship."

Looking ahead to the upcoming 2025/2026 campaign, the 27-year-old expressed his ambitions to win silverware with the Blues.

"Obviously, when you look long-term, I want to have won everything," Tosin said. 

"But as a footballer, you have to focus on the moment and the upcoming year. That's my target now, to look at this season, to play as well as we can and win as much as possible."

Tosin joined Chelsea from Fulham on a free transfer in the summer of 2024 and is expected to play a key role in the team's defensive line under manager Enzo Maresca.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com