Super Eagles-eligible defender Tosin Adarabioyo has expressed delight at seeing fellow Manchester City academy graduate Cole Palmer captain Chelsea during their emphatic 7-0 victory over Port Vale in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge.

Tosin, a product of the Manchester City academy, also marked the occasion with a goal, powering home a bullet header in the second half from a precise cross delivered by Portuguese winger Pedro Neto.

The defender was seen celebrating his goal alongside Palmer, who wore the captain's armband in the absence of regular skipper Reece James and midfielder Enzo Fernández.

Speaking after the match, Tosin highlighted the importance of progressing in the competition, stressing Chelsea's ambition to go all the way in the FA Cup.

"That was the objective going into the Port Vale game, that we get ourselves to Wembley, so we were pleased to do that," Tosin told Chelsea's official website. 

"The FA Cup is a huge trophy and, as long as you're in it, then you're in it to win it. That is what we're trying to do."

He also praised Palmer's leadership qualities, describing the young forward as a key figure within the squad.

"He's my guy," laughed Tosin. "He's always encouraging me and I'm always encouraging him, so it was nice."

"He leads by example. You can see through his performances that he is one of our leaders and one of our best players. So it was nice to see him get the armband."

Looking ahead, Adarabioyo shifted focus to Chelsea's upcoming Premier League clash against his former club, Manchester City.

He emphasized the need for a strong performance to boost the Blues' push for UEFA Champions League qualification, adding that the team is fully focused on securing maximum points in the crucial fixture.

"We're just looking forward to the game and getting the job done against Manchester City. Hopefully, we get the three points, but we need to prepare now and that is our focus," he added.

The 28-year-old, who has featured for England at various youth levels, remains eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level, as he has yet to make an appearance for the England senior national team.

Adeyemi Adewale