Tosin helps Chelsea record first clean sheet under Maresca, Madueke on target; Ugochukwu, George subbed in

Four players of Nigerian descent were on parade at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia as Chelsea secured their first win and clean sheet under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Seventeen days before the Blues' Premier League opener against Manchester City, the Italian football tactician handed starting berths to summer signing from Fulham, Tosin Adarabioyo and Noni Madueke.

Lesley Ugochukwu and Academy product Tyrique George came of the bench in the 63rd and 83rd minute respectively with the winger replacing Madueke, while a fifth Nigerian player in Carney Chukwuemeka was a non-playing substitute. 

Chelsea thrashed Mexican outfit Club América 3-0, with Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke getting on the scoresheet.

Nkunku put the Blues into the lead after two minutes of play, converting a spot kick after Romeo Lavia was fouled in the box one minute and eleven seconds into the match. 

Midway through the first half, two summer signings combined to double the advantage as Marc Guiu headed the ball into the net for his first Chelsea goal created by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Nkunku won another penalty for the Premier League side, slamming his way through the Club América defence and the only way to stop him was to bring down the forward. 

The lively Madueke got a goal he deserved in the 79th minute as he floated the ball into the top corner for 3-0.

Chelsea's next friendly in the United States is against Manchester City at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, August 3.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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