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Many Nigerian players are gifted in the art of football so much so that they’ve graced the London Blues for seasons. In this blog post, we mention & discuss 7 Nigerians that have played at Chelsea:
1. JOHN MIKEL OBI
The former Super Eagles midfielder captained the Nigeria to the 2014 world cup in Brazil. Mikel played almost all his entire football career at Chelsea in a 10-year old spell. He played 249 games for Chelsea.
During his intriguing career at Chelsea, the combative midfielder won 11 trophies. John Mikel Obi is considered one of Nigeria’s all-time best.
2. VICTOR MOSES
Victor Moses is one of the few Nigerians to have palyed at Chelsea. The versatile midfielder – also deployed as a winger sometimes – played 87 matches (scored 7 goals) during his “unsuccessful” spell at Chelsea.
The winger was loaned at different occasions to clubs like Liverpool, Stoke city, West ham and Fernahbance.
3. OLA AINA
After representing England at the under-21 world cup, Chelsea quickly snapped Ola Aina to their first-team squad where he played as a wing back 3 times only. He later left the England National Team for the Nigerian National Team after 35 caps.
Ola Aina now plays for Torino, an Italian Seria-A side, where he’s become a regular starter.
4. TAMMY ABRAHAM
Tamaraebi Bakumo Abraham, popularly known as Tammy Abraham, played at Chelsea between the year 2016 and 2021 where he netted 21 goals in 58 apps.
The Nigerian International who had an England citizenship followed the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Ross Barkley in dumping Nigeria for The Three Lions . The 24-year old forward left Chelsea for Roma during the 2021/22 transfer summer owing lack of playing time under Frank Lampard.
5. KENNETH OMERUO
During a 7-year spell at Chelsea, the 28-year-old defender never appeared at Stamford bridge. Chelsea signed Omeruo from Liège and immediately loaned him out to Eredivisie club, ADO Den Haag. The Super Eagles Defender was later loaned to a Spanish La Liga side, Leganes, who permanently signed him in March 2019.
6. CELESTINE BABAYARO
This man happens to be first Nigerian to play at Chelsea, joining the team in 1997. Celestine Jonto Babayaro is one of the most decorated super eagles player. He was a part of the Golden Eaglets team that won the 1993 cadet world cup and also has to his badge 1 silver medal and 2 bronze medal at AFCON.
Celestine Babayaro played for Chelsea from 1997 to 2001 where he scored 5 goals in 132 appearances – not a bad tally for a defender – before eventually leaving for Chelsea’s premier league rivals, Manchester United.
7. FIKAYO TOMORI
The 24-year-old centre-back joined Chelsea’s senior squad after triumphs, with the Chelsea Academy, at the UEFA Youth League and FA Youth Cup.
Tomori only managed to secure 17 appearances and scored one goal at Chelsea, before series of loan spells at Brighton, Hull City, Derby County and AC Milan. After spending a year on loan at the Milan side, he secured a permanent place.
Other Nigerians to have played at/for Chelsea are:
- Dominic Solanke
- Ross Barkley
- Ike Ugbo and;
- Tariq Uwankwe
Abdulbasit Toriola is an emerging voice in Nigerian cultural commentary and social analysis. From his corner in Lagos, he documents Nigerian history, current affairs, and explores the extraordinary journeys of Nigerians beating the odds. His works have been published on Africa Prime News and Opinion Nigeria. Connect with Abdulbasit on Twitter @blackboymusings for daily insights into Nigerian life and culture.
