Three British players of Nigerian descent in the shape of Ike Ugbo, Tariq Uwakwe and Tunji Akinola were in action on Saturday as Chelsea played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with fellow Londoners West Ham in the Premier Academy League.

England youth international Ike Ugbo gave Chelsea the lead in the 36th minute, firing past the West Ham goalkeeper Sam Howes from a tight angle after he was teed up by Tariq Uwakwe.

In the closing minutes of the first half, the Blues would have doubled their advantage but Tunji Akinola headed the ball off the line.

And ten minutes out of intermission, Akinola would have restored parity for the Hammers but saw his header come off the crossbar.

Born November 1999, central midfielder Tariq Uwakwe made his first-ever start for the youth team of Chelsea at the Cobham Training Centre against West Ham.

Ike Ugbo, who has notched 17 league goals, and Tunji Akinola played the full game, while Uwakwe was substituted in the 73rd minute.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit :whufc.com