Super Eagles Eligible Defender Impresses as Chelsea Advance to FIFA Club World Cup Quarterfinals

Super Eagles Eligible Defender Impresses as Chelsea Advance to FIFA Club World Cup Quarterfinals

By Niyi Busari 

Super Eagles eligible defender, Tosin Adarabioyo made a notable impact off the bench as Chelsea cruised past Benfica with a 4-1 victory in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Nigerian-born centre-back was introduced in the 69th minute, replacing Benoît Badiashile, and helped solidify the Blues' backline in a match that required extra time to settle.

Chelsea initially broke the deadlock in the 64th minute through Reece James, but Benfica were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time when Ángel Di María converted a penalty in the 95th minute, forcing the match into extra time.

In extra time, Chelsea found another gear. Substitute Christopher Nkunku put the Blues back in front before goals from Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall completed a stunning flurry of strikes in just nine minutes, sealing a dominant win and securing a place in the quarterfinals.

Adarabioyo’s calm presence and composure at the back were instrumental during the decisive phase of the match, as Chelsea's depth and quality ultimately overwhelmed their Portuguese opponents.