17yo defender Chigozie reveals source of confidence after making full debut for Luton Town

Luton Town's academy enjoyed a proud moment on Tuesday night as 17-year-old Christian Chigozie made his full debut in the Carabao Cup clash against Coventry City.

Born in Spain, Chigozie is eligible to represent the national teams of Spain, Nigeria through his parents, as well as England, where he has lived since the age of six.

Manager Matt Bloomfield made 11 changes from the side that beat Peterborough at the weekend, handing the Nigeria-eligible teenager his first start. 

Chigozie, who signed professional terms last season and was first named on the bench in the Premier League away to Arsenal, slotted seamlessly into a back three and completed the full 90 minutes against Championship opposition.

"I didn’t know till late, but thanks to the gaffer for giving me the opportunity, I feel amazing,” Chigozie told Luton Town's official website. 

"Unfortunately, we lost 1-0, but I'm still glad to make my debut for the club."

The defender admitted he only learned he was starting a few hours before kick-off at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

It was a stern test for the youngster, facing a Coventry attack led by Ellis Simms and Haji Wright, the same strike partnership that took Manchester United's backline to extra time at Wembley in the semifinal of the FA Cup last year.

Reflecting on where his self-belief came from, Chigozie said: "I feel very happy that I played the full ninety. 

"The confidence came from all the other players, who boosted me before the game, from the gaffer telling me he trusted me a lot, and from the players helping me throughout the game. 

"That really helped me build my confidence."

An imposing, quick, and mobile centre-back, Chigozie joined the Hatters as an U7 in the Luton Town Community Trust's Pre-Academy programme, before signing for the main academy two years later.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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