U18PL: Son of Nigeria's 1994 World Cup star scores first goal for Chelsea youth 

Versatile defensive midfielder Landon Emenalo scored his first ever goal for Chelsea in the U18 Premier League as the Blues suffered a 5-2 defeat at the hands of Leicester City on Saturday, August 31.

Landon is the son of former Super Eagles left-back Michael Emenalo who made a splash at the 1994 Fifa World Cup in the United States, playing as cover for the injured Benedict Iroha. 

The 16-year-old signed a scholarship deal with Chelsea before the start of the 2024-2025 season and played in six matches in the U18 Premier League before opening his goalscoring account in the division.

Arizona native Emenalo is eligible to represent the national teams of Nigeria, England and United States, but he's leaning towards committing his international future to his country of birth, as of now.

He has been named to the United States U17s 20-player roster for the upcoming Jezek Cup where the Baby Nats will face Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia during the international break in September. 

Against the Foxes, Chelsea U18s Nigerian coach Hassan Sulaiman selected three teenagers of Nigerian descent in his starting lineup, with Emenalo joined by Chizaram Ezenwata and Tayo Subuloye.

Midway through the first half, Emenalo gave Chelsea the lead with a stunning volley from the edge of the box but goals from Kirsten Otchere, Laolu Omobolaji and Jeremy Monga condemned the young Blues to a third loss in as many matches.

Emenalo made his debut for Chelsea's development squad in his final season as a schoolboy, reflecting the high regard the coaches at Chelsea have for him.

He joined Chelsea at U8 level before relocating to Monaco and then returned to Cobham as an U13.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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