Chizzy Ezenwata, son of former Gombe United star Ndubuisi Ezenwata, showcased his talent in his competitive debut for Chelsea U18s, scoring twice in a 5-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at the Cobham Training Centre. Ezenwata, who impressed during pre season, came close to securing a hat trick but saw his header hit the woodwork in the 35th minute.
Ezenwata had earned his starting position after standout performances in friendlies against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United. In Saturday’s match, he reduced the deficit twice for Chelsea, scoring midway through the first half and again just before halftime. Despite his efforts, Brighton sealed the win with further goals from Shane Nti and Ronnie Gorman.
Chelsea U18s’ Nigerian head coach, Hassan Sulaiman, also handed starting roles to two other players of Nigerian descent, Tayo Subuloye and Saheed Olagunju, who played in central defence.
Born in England, Ezenwata is eligible to represent Nigeria, England, or Cameroon internationally through his Cameroonian mother.
Editorial
We believe Chizzy Ezenwata’s debut for Chelsea U18s demonstrates his exceptional potential and resilience, even in defeat. His brace on debut is a strong indication of his goal scoring ability and poise under pressure. Coming close to a hat trick, only to be denied by the woodwork, shows just how impactful he can be.
Ezenwata’s rapid progress from pre season standout to a starting role in the U18 Premier League highlights the value of Chelsea’s youth development program. As his career unfolds, his versatility in being able to choose to represent Nigeria, England, or Cameroon adds an intriguing dimension to his international future. With more performances like this, Ezenwata could soon find himself on the radar for national team selection.
For Chelsea, nurturing young talents like Ezenwata is part of a long standing tradition, and his development will be closely watched by both the club and international scouts. His next steps in the U18 Premier League will likely be followed with great interest as he continues to grow as a player.
Did You Know?
- Chizzy Ezenwata is the son of Ndubuisi Ezenwata, a former star for Gombe United in Nigeria.
- Chelsea’s youth academy has produced notable players like Mason Mount and Reece James, who have gone on to star for the senior team.
- The U18 Premier League serves as a critical stepping stone for young talents, allowing them to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment.
- Ezenwata is eligible to represent Nigeria, England, and Cameroon internationally, giving him multiple national team options.
- His debut brace came close to being a hat-trick, as his header struck the woodwork during the match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
