Pochettino to expedite Nigerian talent’s integration into Chelsea’s first team

Chelsea’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, plans to accelerate the promotion of Landon Emenalo, 16, into the senior team. 

Landon, the son of former Nigerian left-back Michael Emenalo, is highly regarded within Chelsea’s Cobham academy, and his versatile left-footed playing style has prompted the club to integrate him into first-team training sessions after his recent 16th birthday. 

As the son of Michael Emenalo, who played for the Super Eagles and contributed significantly to Chelsea’s success, Landon has the option to represent Nigeria in the future, given his eligibility.

Michael Emenalo, known for his role in Chelsea’s triumphs as both assistant manager and technical director, played a key part in securing major signings during his tenure, including David Luiz, Eden Hazard, Mohamed Salah, Cesc Fàbregas, and Thibaut Courtois. 

After contributing to Monaco’s rebuild in 2017, Emenalo took on the role of director of football in the Saudi Pro League at the beginning of the 2023/2024 season.

Landon Emenalo, who plays as a midfielder, has demonstrated his skills across various roles in central midfield, functioning as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, and a number ten. 

Born in London, he has played for the youth teams of both the United States of America and England, with the potential to represent the Super Eagles in the future, inheriting his father’s eligibility.