Premier League champions Chelsea have informed via their official webpage that eleven Chelsea Academy-trained players made their maiden appearances for their respective nations in 2017.

Three players of Nigerian descent, who have featured for the youth teams of Chelsea, in the shape of Ola Aina, Tammy Abraham and Dominic Solanke were named to the list.

The other players are : Nathan Ake (Netherlands), Mukhtar Ali (Saudi Arabia), Ethan Ampadu (Wales), Jeremie Boga (Ivory Coast), Jack Cork (England), Gael Kakuta (DR Congo), Loftus-Cheek (England) and George Saville (Northern Ireland).

Aina debuted for the Nigerian national team when he came on in the 79th minute of a World Cup qualifier against Zambia on October 7.

Tammy Abraham was handed his full England debut as the Three Lions were held to a goalless draw by Germany at the Wembley Stadium on November 10.

Four days later, Liverpool striker Solanke appeared off the bench in the 75th minute of England's friendly with Brazil at the National Stadium in London, his first appearance at senior level for his country of birth.

Solanke and Abraham remain eligible to represent the Nigerian national team until they play competitively for the Three Lions.

Igho Kingsley