(DDM) – Chelsea’s UEFA Youth League campaign began on a high note as Landon Emenalo, son of former Super Eagles defender Michael Emenalo, made his debut in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bayern Munich.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the 16-year-old defender, who represents England at U17 level, was handed a starting role in Wednesday afternoon’s clash at Cobham.
The youngster’s involvement carried symbolic weight in Nigeria, given his father’s legacy in the national team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Michael Emenalo famously replaced the injured Benedict Iroha in the Super Eagles’ match against Argentina in the U.S. tournament.
Now, decades later, his son is making his own mark in European football, continuing a family tradition with Nigerian roots.
Chelsea’s youth side started brightly when Genesis Antwi opened the scoring in the 15th minute.
Bayern Munich quickly responded, with Felipe Chávez equalising directly from a corner before firing a stunning long-range strike in the 26th minute to hand the visitors the lead.
After the interval, Chelsea showed resilience, as substitute Tyrique Mheuka levelled the scoreline.
The Blues reclaimed the advantage in the 62nd minute when Leo Castledine-Murray-Campbell produced a spectacular volley.
Nigerian forward Frank Egwuatu, playing for Bayern, came close twice in the dying minutes, forcing fine saves from Chelsea’s goalkeeper Nicolas Bernal.
Despite late pressure, the English side held firm to secure all three points in Group D.
Another Nigerian prospect, Chizaram Ezenwata, who was recently named in the Flying Eagles squad, was on the bench for Chelsea but did not feature.
The presence of Landon Emenalo and Tayo Subuloye, Chelsea’s U18 captain, underlined the growing influence of players with Nigerian ancestry at the club.
Observers note that Chelsea has a long history of nurturing Nigerian talents, with Dominic Solanke, Ola Aina, and Carney Chukwuemeka among the notable names.
For Landon, this debut marks the start of what could be a promising career, as he builds on both his father’s reputation and his own potential.
The teenager’s first competitive outing has already been described as a milestone in Chelsea’s youth football story and a proud moment for Nigerian football followers.
Analysts say his performance will now be closely monitored, as both England and Nigeria keep an eye on his international future