Chelsea striker Chizaram Ezenwata showcased his exceptional talent with a brilliant free-kick goal on Saturday, inspiring Chelsea’s 4-2 victory over Crystal Palace in the U18 Premier League.
Despite being prevented by Chelsea from joining the Flying Eagles training camp ahead of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile due to club commitments, Ezenwata demonstrated why he remains a key figure.
After a subdued first half, Ezenwata turned the game around in the 66th minute by delivering a precise 20-yard free-kick that left the Palace goalkeeper helpless. “Stepping up confidently, Chizzy struck a perfect shot into the bottom-right corner, reminding everyone of his quality,” noted match observers.
His goal sparked a Chelsea comeback, with Mathis Eboué, son of Arsenal legend Emmanuel Eboué, adding a close-range finish before a pressured own goal sealed the win in stoppage time. Last season, Ezenwata was Chelsea’s leading scorer in the U18 Premier League, netting 11 goals in 18 matches.
At 16, the young striker, eligible for Nigeria, England, and Cameroon, is poised to sign his first professional contract early next month.
