Chelsea's First African Player In History Babayaro Reveals His Most Difficult Opponent

Published: September 18, 2018

The first African player to be signed by Chelsea, Celestine Babayaro, has revealed that Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu was his most difficult opponent, adding that he was disappointed that his international teammate netted a hat-trick in that memorable game at Stamford Bridge back in the 1999-2000 season.

Kanu and Babayaro were on the same Golden Eaglets team that won the 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup and were key members of the original Dream Team that won the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

''They were all difficult games in the Premier League but it was especially a big game if I was going to play against my mate Kanu at Arsenal,'' Babayaro told Chelsea's official website.

''I did not want to lose and I was gutted when he scored the three goals against us at Stamford Bridge!

''We were 2-0 up and I thought we had won and suddenly he was doing these tricks against us that I had never seen before. ''

Having starred at the 1996 Olympic Games, Babayaro said he didn't think twice before accepting the offer to join Chelsea from Anderlecht the following year.

''It wasn’t a difficult decision at all. While I was at Anderlecht we watched the Premier League and I knew Ruud Gullit was the manager and Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Di Matteo were here. Guys I looked up to.

''When I heard about Chelsea wanting me there was no hesitation at all. I had to jump on it,'' added the left back.

Celestine Babayaro won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup while at Chelsea and made 132 appearances for the club in the Premier League, scoring five goals.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com