Ezenwata matches historic Chelsea feat set by retired England international of Nigerian descent

It was a proud moment for 2025 Flying Eagles invitee Chizaram Ezenwata at the weekend after he matched a long-standing Chelsea milestone held by retired England international of Nigerian heritage, Carlton Cole.

According to Chelsea Youth, a trusted source for the club's academy updates, Ezenwata found the net for the sixth consecutive game in the U18 Premier League as the Young Blues were held to a 2-2 draw by Tottenham Hotspur.

In doing so, the 17-year-old became the first Chelsea player to score in six straight academy league matches since Cole achieved the feat twenty-four years ago.

Three other players of Nigerian descent — Ike Ugbo, Dominic Solanke and Tammy Abraham — have previously scored in five successive U18 Premier League games, falling just short of matching the record.

Ezenwata has been in scintillating form this season, scoring in matches against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Bromwich Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.

The young forward has now registered seven goals and one assist in six U18 Premier League appearances, playing a key role in helping Chelsea remain unbeaten in the division.

Demonstrating maturity beyond his years, Ezenwata has also shown he possesses the physical and technical qualities to compete at senior level, having featured against Shrewsbury Town and Northampton Town in the EFL Trophy.

In his final season as a schoolboy, he finished as Chelsea U18s top scorer, netting 12 goals in 20 appearances across the U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup, and notably made his debut in Premier League 2.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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