Chelsea Vs Arsenal FAYC: Profiling Five Talents Of Nigerian Descent

Chelsea and Arsenal youngsters will do battle for the much coveted FA Youth Cup title on the 27th and 30th of April, after landing themselves a berth in the showpiece following sensational runs in the competition.

Both clubs have Nigerian starlets in their ranks, all of who have played crucial roles to ensure progression but here, allnigeriasoccer.com looks at five of these Nigerians who could prove instrumental yet again as FA Cup glory beckons.

Tariq Uwakwe (Chelsea): Tariq Uwakwe is unarguably one of the most important player for the Jody Morris-led Blues and he has never disappointed.

Having made 14 league appearances for his title winning side this season, scoring two goals, his six FA Youth Cup outings has produced two goals and he was one of the scorers over two legs in their last round win over Birmingham.

Xavier Amaechi (Arsenal): Even though four goals in six FA Youth Cup games might not tell the whole story of the fleet-footed winger's effervescence, it has hardly been difficult to envisage the quality of this starlet who has long been tipped to make the grade up to the club's first team in no distant future.

Regarded as one of the most creative and skillful player in the Arsenal youth set up, the 17-year old has made 19 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal this campaign.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Another of the Nigerian delights to watch in the youth ranks of Arsenal, Saka combines sheer physicality with finesse and end-product from midfield as opponents have very often found out.

His numbers have equally backed this up — 13 games for the U18s have produced six goals while in the FA Cup, he has equally weighed in with another two from just a solitary start, having made six appearances.

Faustino Anjorin (Chelsea): Highly valued by the Roman Abrahimovich club, Anjorin has made tremendous achievements with Chelsea, repaying every faith the club has placed on him.

As part of the conquering U18 side that won the U18 Premier League South, the midfielder made 14 appearances, scoring five goals while his exploits in the FA Youth Cup have produced two goals after five games.

Folarin Balogun (Arsenal): Balogun has been helpful for the club's U18s this campaign, putting in a number of impressive showings while playing 14 games for them with nine goals to show for it.

Aged just 16, the Gunners striker has also featured thrice for his club in the cup competition, scoring two goals, the latest coming in the 5-0 trouncing of Blackpool.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com