For The First Time In History, Nigerian Fails To Win Chelsea Academy Player Of The Year

English Premier League champions Chelsea held their traditional end of season awards at Battersea Evolution in London on Sunday night, with several awards presented to the outstanding players across all levels.

For the first time in history, a player of Nigerian descent has failed to win Chelsea's Academy Player of the Year, an accolade handed out to England U19 attacking midfielder Mason Mount.

Dominic Solanke won the inaugural award in 2015, while Fikayo Tomori was the best academy player last year.

The prolific Ike Ugbo had been a strong contender for the award after tallying 25 goals for the youth teams, and helping the U18s win the domestic treble.

England U18 international Tariq Uwakwe,17, also impressed in the just concluded season, netting eight goals from his midfield position for the U18s and making his debut for the U23s.

Ugbo and Uwakwe were absent at the ceremony because they are on international duty with England's U20 team.

Chelsea Academy Player of the Year

2015 Dominic Solanke

2016 Fikayo Tomori

2017 Mason Mount


Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com