Chizaram Ezenwata Stars in Chelsea U17s Victory, Showcasing Bright Future

Chizaram Ezenwata, a 16 year old striker with Nigerian roots, delivered a standout performance in Chelsea U17s’ 4-0 win over Fulham in the U17 Premier League Cup. Ezenwata scored twice, helping his team secure a spot in the quarterfinals as group winners, edging past Arsenal who faltered against Charlton Athletic.

Ezenwata, whose father, Ndubisi Ezenwata, was once coached by former Nigerian Golden Eaglets manager Manu Garba, continues to impress with his goal scoring prowess. In the ongoing U18 Premier League season, he has recorded three goals and one assist in six matches, including a brace on the opening day against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Currently representing England U17s, Ezenwata has made four appearances and scored two goals for the young Lions. However, his father has openly expressed hopes of seeing him don Nigeria’s green and white jersey in the future.

Editorial

Chizaram Ezenwata’s remarkable rise within Chelsea’s academy serves as a reminder of the abundance of talent among the Nigerian diaspora. His skill set, determination, and knack for scoring make him a potential asset for either England or Nigeria on the international stage.

For Nigeria, this is an opportunity to actively pursue a player with deep familial ties to the country. As other nations like England continue to identify and integrate young talents, the Nigeria Football Federation must proactively engage players like Ezenwata. Highlighting the prospects and advantages of representing Nigeria could tip the balance in favour of the Super Eagles.

Ezenwata’s performance against Fulham underscores his readiness to excel in competitive environments. It’s a call for Chelsea and other clubs to keep nurturing such talent while offering them platforms to thrive. With his continued development, Ezenwata might soon be making waves in senior competitions, further amplifying the legacy of Nigerian footballers in Europe.

Did You Know?

1. Chizaram Ezenwata has been likened to top strikers due to his proficiency in front of goal at the youth level.
2. His father, Ndubisi Ezenwata, was coached by Manu Garba, who led Nigeria’s U17 team to victory in the 2013 FIFA U 17 World Cup.
3. The U17 Premier League Cup is a competitive platform aimed at developing England’s next generation of football stars.
4. Chelsea’s academy has a rich history of producing players like Mason Mount and Reece James, who have become key figures in world football.
5. Dual nationality players like Ezenwata have become hotly contested assets, often faced with challenging decisions about their international allegiance.