Nigeria hopes dashed as Tayo Adaramola handed first Ireland call-up

Tayo Adaramola has taken a significant step in his international career after receiving his maiden senior call-up to the Republic of Ireland national football team squad for an upcoming training camp in Spain.

The 22-year-old defender, who is on the books of Crystal Palace F.C., has been selected by head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson as part of a group largely made up of players not currently involved in end-of-season club commitments.

It means his chances of representing Nigeria are now slim as he is eligible for them through his parents.

The camp will conclude with an international friendly against Grenada national football team at the Enrique Roca Stadium on May 16.

Adaramola’s inclusion follows an encouraging campaign across the English Football League, where he gained valuable experience through loan spells.

After beginning the season with Leyton Orient F.C., the left-back later established himself as a consistent presence at Sheffield Wednesday F.C., underlining his development with regular first-team minutes.

His progression has not gone unnoticed, with the Ireland setup rewarding his form and adaptability. The upcoming camp offers Adaramola an opportunity to integrate into the senior environment and stake a claim for future competitive fixtures.

The selection strategy reflects a broader approach by Hallgrímsson to assess emerging and fringe talents outside the pressures of competitive windows.

A separate squad is expected to be announced for Ireland’s June internationals against Qatar national football team and Canada men’s national soccer team, where more established names are likely to return.

Having signed his first professional contract in 2020, Adaramola made his senior debut two years later and has steadily built his profile within English football.

This call-up marks a notable milestone in his career, signalling growing recognition at international level and offering a platform to translate his club form onto the international stage.