2025 Flying Eagles invitee Chizaram Ezenwata finally made his UEFA Youth League debut on Tuesday afternoon as Chelsea U19s claimed a 3–1 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo.

Before stepping onto the pitch at the Centro Sportivo Bortolotti (Pitch 9), the England U18 international — who is eligible for Nigeria through his father and Cameroon through his mother — had been included in three previous UEFA Youth League matchday squads without seeing minutes.

Ezenwata was one of three teenagers of Nigerian descent handed starting roles in the matchday six encounter, lining up alongside Landon Emenalo and Olutayo Subuloye.

Jesse Derry broke the deadlock for the Young Blues in the 28th minute, only for Francesco Gasparello to haul Atalanta level six minutes later.

Derry restored Chelsea’s lead in the 40th minute, completing a first-half brace and sending the two-time champions into the interval ahead.

Ten minutes after the restart, Reggie Walsh extended the advantage, finishing calmly after being picked out by Antwi.

Making his long-awaited UEFA Youth League bow, Ezenwata featured for 83 minutes before making way for Sol Gordon.

The 17-year-old tri-national forward has registered eight goals in eleven appearances across the U18 Premier League, EFL Trophy and UEFA Youth League this season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel