14-year-old Chelsea kid wins under-17 World Cup with Nigeria

Habib Makanjuola is 14-years-old, and can now boast of being a world champion when he returns to Chelsea.

FIFA's Under-17 World Cup Final kicked off late Friday afternoon in the United Arab Emirates, pitting Nigeria up against Mexico.

As the two recent powerhouses of global youth football went head to head, the result was fairly straightforward.

Nigeria triumphed 3-0, with an early own goal, and second half strikes from Kelechi Iheanacho and Musa Muhammed sealing the victory.

Nigeria are now the most successful nation at the tournament in history, with this their fourth success, and runners-up on three occasions.


It also meant England's Premier League could boast a winner, by the name of Habib Makanjuola.
Makanjuola did not feature in the final itself, wearing the number seven shirt he was an unused substitute - and with good reason, he is just 14.

He was brought along for the experience, but he also featured in the opening game - in which Nigeria faced the same opponents Mexico and won 6-1.

Born in August 1999, he is an ambitious player - who famously said in 2012 he wants to be the best in the world by time he is 17.
African website allafrica.com astoundingly described the attacking midfielder as 'Xavi, Iniesta, Lionel Messi, C.Ronaldo and Fabregas all rolled in one.'

Makanjuola is listed at just one metre 65 in height, and clearly has some growing to do before he even comes into consideration for the Chelsea first team.
He signed a contract with the west London side after a trial last summer, and has been part of the set up at Cobham ever since.

Clearly he is highly regarded in his homeland even to be invited along on the trip, and get time on the pitch.
Fans of Chelsea should remember the name, and the club should make a big fuss of him when he returns to London shortly - as a World Champion.

Could Habib Makanjuola be a future star at Chelsea?