2025 Flying Eagles invitee Chizaram Ezenwata found the net, but his effort proved in vain as Chelsea U21s fell to a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Spanish side Real Sociedad in a Premier League International Cup encounter at Kingsmeadow on Wednesday.

In addition to Ezenwata, four other promising players of Nigerian descent were named in the starting lineups. 

Chelsea were captained by summer signing Justin Osagie, while Hale End Academy graduate Zac Shuaib, alongside Santino Samuyiwa and Sydney Osazuwa, started for Real Sociedad.

After a goalless first half, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen opened the scoring in the 49th minute, converting from close range following a pass from Ezenwata.

Four minutes after the hour mark, Chelsea doubled their advantage when Ezenwata rose unchallenged in the penalty area to head home. 

However, the visitors reduced the deficit in the 69th minute as Samuyiwa's cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Dante Waite.

Deep into stoppage time, misfortune struck for the hosts when Freddy Bernal's save rebounded off the face of Osagie and crossed the goal line. 

The late drama continued moments later, with Arkaitz Mariezkurrena firing in an effort from outside the box to secure all three points for Real Sociedad.

Ezenwata's goal and assist took his tally of goal involvements this season to 14, comprising 10 goals and four assists, across 15 appearances in the U18 Premier League, EFL Trophy, FA Youth Cup, UEFA Youth League and Premier League International Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel