Chelsea’s U18 team secured a thrilling 6-2 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, with Nigerian youngster Tayo Subuloye scoring his first goal in the division.
Subuloye, 16, wore the captain’s armband and equalized for Chelsea with a towering header past Aston Villa goalkeeper Owen Asemota in the 10th minute.
The goal marked Subuloye’s first in the U18 Premier League, following eight previous appearances. This achievement is a testament to Subuloye’s growth and potential.
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Chelsea’s Nigerian coach, Hassan Sulaiman, handed starting berths to Subuloye and fellow Nigerian Landon Emenalo, son of former Nigerian international Michael Emenalo.
Chelsea’s comeback victory ended their three-game losing streak in the U18 Premier League. The match saw George Hemmings open the scoring for Aston Villa inside 10 minutes, only for Subuloye to equalize with a header.
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen scored a brace, while Sol Gordon and Frankie Runham added goals. Elijah Briscoe pulled one back for Aston Villa, but Yahya Idrissi sealed the win with a 90th-minute goal.
Subuloye’s rise to prominence is impressive, having made his U18 Premier League debut as a schoolboy. This reflects Chelsea’s high regard for him. He is expected to sign his first professional contract with Chelsea before December 2024, a significant milestone in his young career.
Hassan Sulaiman’s influence has been instrumental in Subuloye’s development. The Nigerian tactician has integrated several young Nigerian players into Chelsea’s U18 squad, providing valuable opportunities for growth.
Key statistics from the match include:
Date: September 21, 2024
Competition: U18 Premier League
Result: Chelsea 6, Aston Villa 2
Subuloye’s goal: 1st in U18 Premier League
Subuloye’s appearances: 9 in U18 Premier League
This victory and Subuloye’s milestone goal demonstrate Chelsea’s commitment to nurturing young talent and bode well for the team’s future.
