It is interesting to note that a certain 18-year old midfield sensation is swiftly coming of age at Chelsea with his awe-inspiring performances from deep for the U18 side.

The prodigy is none other than Tariq Uwakwe, a promising teenager who has been with the Blues since he was aged eight.

His performances has bellied his tender years though, as he has set about making name for himself in a way which has easily caught the eyes and even once sparked a courting war between his native Nigeria and his country of birth though there had been revelations that he has considered the idea of representing Nigeria.

After signing his first professional contract with Chelsea on his 17th birthday, Uwakwe has gone on to feature consistently in the U18 Premier League side who sit atop the standings this term after 14 rounds of games, having won 11 times and lost just once.

Having won the division title and the FA Youth Cup in the 2016/2017 campaign, the Nigeria faithful would relish the thought of the whizkid reprising such astute performances both alongside his Stamford Bridge compatriot, Victor Moses and for Nigeria.

His versatility bodes well too as he is as adept at featuring in central midfield as also playing as a left-winger and left back position.

He can dovetail nicely in any type of midfield set-up and his long range of passing reminds one of Mikel Obi.

His eye for goal is equally documented too as he scored and tallied an assist in the young Blues biggest victory this season, a 7-0 rout of West Ham.

Thus, such performances would not only make his progression to the Chelsea first team a lot easier but could eventually push NFF into throwing every thing all out to get him to commit to the Super Eagles.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com