Confirmed : Derby County bolster academy ranks with capture of Chelsea's Nigerian starlet

Championship club Derby County have confirmed through their official webpage that Nigeria-eligible central midfielder Dubem Eze will begin the first year of his scholarship as from this summer.

Allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reported exactly two months ago that Eze will be part of the new intake of academy scholars at Derby County ahead of the start of next season.

The promising teenager has joined the Pride Park Stadium outfit from Premier League giants Chelsea.

Eze knew that he had to move onto pastures new after he was informed by the Chelsea hierarchy that he was not going to be offered a scholarship for the 2021-2022 season.

He showed a glimpse of his quality when he netted from inside the box in a 2-1 win against Everton in the U18 Premier League after coming off the bench in April.

Dubem Eze, who is not related to Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, will be one of eleven first year scholars in Derby U18 squad in 2021-2022, the others being Nelson Aideyan, Zion Dixon, Harry Evans, Bayo Fapetu, Riley Moloney, Callum Moore, Reece Nicholas-Davies, Darren Robinson, Kain Ryan, Sam Sebagabo.

The Anglo-Nigeria will sign his first professional contract at Derby County when he turns seventeen.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel