Nigerian-Born Chukwuemeka Aims To Break Into Chelsea Team After Man City Display

Carney Chibueze Chukwuemeka

Nigerian-born Carney Chukwuemeka got into limelight in the home loss of his Chelsea team to Premier League title-chasing Manchester City on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge. 

On another night,  Chukwuemeka could have been facing the media to speak about opening his Chelsea account rather than analysing a narrow home defeat to Manchester City.

He reflected on his low drive that rattled back off the woodwork while the game was still evenly poised at 0-0.

‘My heart skipped, literally, when I took the shot because I thought it was in!’ Carney said of his effort that came back off the post”, he told Sky Sports

‘Obviously it wasn’t meant to be today and I’ve hit the post but I’ve just got to keep working and hopefully it will come in the next few games.

The midfielder, who joined the action as a first-half substitute, impressed for Chelsea and felt he grasped his opportunity well as he seeks further opportunities in the side, although admitted he was left disappointed Chelsea ended the game with nothing to show.

“We worked really hard out of possession and limited their chances and caused them some problems so I think we did have the better first half but we couldn’t find a goal.

“I feel like because of how young I am, I don’t have anything to lose I can just express myself and I think that’s the same with the others. It’s a big opportunity to build on and try and break into the team because of the injuries.”

Chukwuemeka was brought in after 22 minutes after Christian Pulsiic  was forced off the pitch. The 19-year-old arguably made the most out of this opportunity and was a bit unlucky not to score. He was a £20m summer signing from Aston Villa.

The Nigerian now has a real chance to start on Sunday in the FA Cup clash with the same opponent. Born in Austria to Nigerian parents, Chukwuemeka is eligible to play for the national teams of Austria, England and Nigeria.

The 19-year old  has however made two appearances for England U-17 and U-18.