For many footballers, the pinnacle of their career is representing their country on the international stage. And for Tayo Edun, football has always been more than a job. It’s been a thread connecting identity, purpose, and ambition. Born in Islington to Nigerian and Saint Vincentian parents, Edun cut his teeth in the high-speed youth circuits of English football, but his eyes are set firmly on Nigeria. His dream is clear: don the green and white of Nigeria. Edun’s heart beats for Nigeria.
“First of all, it’s a goal of mine to play internationally. That’s one of my targets. It would be an honour to play at the highest level internationally. In terms of my preference, I would love to play for Nigeria. Genuinely, I would love to,” Edun expressed in a recent interview.
Edun’s multicultural background has profoundly influenced his personal and professional life. His football journey began at Fulham’s academy, where he honed his skills and developed into a promising left back and midfielder. His talent earned him spots in England’s youth national teams, culminating in a victorious 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship campaign, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament.
His club career has seen him don the jerseys of Ipswich Town, Lincoln City, Blackburn Rovers, Charlton Athletic, and currently, Peterborough United.
His recent free kick winner in the fiery Cambridgeshire derby against Cambridge United was just the latest chapter in a career defined not by spotlight moments but by steady growth. At Peterborough, Edun has become a consistent presence, a player teammates trust, and fans have come to appreciate for his industry and maturity.
But it’s what he’s doing away from English stadiums that’s drawing real attention.
In April, Edun travelled to Nigeria on a personal mission to engage with grassroots footballers in the places most forgotten. Ikorodu. Oshodi. Mafoluku. Places where the game is still played on dust and concrete, not manicured grass. Places where dreams often stop at the street corner. During these visits, he donated jerseys and provided mentorship to young players, emphasizing the importance of hard work and resilience amidst encouragement, and a willingness to listen.
“Everywhere in Nigeria that I go, the love of football is there. So this just brings me back to show me how it’s humbling really for me because it shows the love and the passion that they have for it,” Edun remarked.
Community leaders and players alike have lauded Edun’s efforts, noting the inspiration and motivation his presence brings. One community representative stated, “To us it is a plus having such a wonderful person coming to visit us and coming to tell us a word of encouragement.”
“It’s not just about giving kits,” he said, standing among a crowd of excited young players. “It’s about showing them that someone who was once in their shoes sees them. Really sees them.”
Community leaders were visibly moved by the visit. One coach in Mafoluku, who gave his name simply as Ogundele, said, “When players like Tayo come, it’s not just about football. It’s about belief. These boys see that you can come from where they are and go somewhere. And now, they can see that someone came back.”
What made the visit stand out wasn’t its size: it was the intention behind it. Just a professional footballer returning to share what he could, and listen to what others needed.
Edun knows the structural differences between English and Nigerian football are vast. “In England, the system carries you if you’re good enough. There’s a pathway. Here, I see so much raw ability, but the infrastructure isn’t there. So if I can help build a bridge, even for a few, then that’s something worth doing.”
Asked whether this was the start of a bigger project, Edun nodded. “This isn’t a one-time thing. I’m working with people now to figure out sustainable support, whether it’s access to proper coaching, connections to scouts, or even helping get a few boys overseas.”
His long-term ambition is still clear: to wear the Super Eagles crest and play at major tournaments. But there’s a quiet integrity in how he’s going about it, no gimmicks, no pressure campaign. Just a player putting in work, letting his football and his character speak.
