Who are the 4 Nigerian stars to have played for Chelsea?

• TheRadar highlights the careers of the four Super Eagles players to have played for Chelsea FC
• We take an extensive look into how these players made notable impacts during their time at Chelsea, from Celestine Babayaro’s successful spell to Mikel Obi’s unmatched longevity
• While their careers had a few ups and downs, they are remembered for both their on-field performances and their personal stories

Chelsea FC stands tall as one of the most successful clubs in the modern history of British football. 

However, it wasn’t always this way. Before their golden era began, Chelsea was a club with modest success. The tide turned in 2003 when Roman Abramovich acquired the club, starting an unprecedented period of dominance. Under his ownership, Chelsea claimed numerous domestic and international titles, becoming a European powerhouse.

With José Mourinho at the helm, Chelsea clinched three Premier League titles, three League Cups, an FA Cup, and a Community Shield. The club’s crowning glory came in 2012 when they lifted the UEFA Champions League for the first time, repeating the feat in the 2020/21 season under Thomas Tuchel. Their trophy cabinet also boasts two UEFA Europa League triumphs, in 2013 under Rafa Benítez and in 2019 with Maurizio Sarri.

Chelsea has a rich history of signing talented black players, with a specific affinity for Nigerian stars. Over the years, several Super Eagles players have graced Stamford Bridge. 

This article explores the stories of four Nigerian footballers, including Celestine Babayaro and John Obi-Mikel, who made a lasting impact at Chelsea.

Facts about Nigerian stars who played for Chelsea

TheRadar has compiled in much detail some interesting facts about past Super Eagles players of Chelsea FC:

Victor Moses

Victor Moses MON, a celebrated Nigerian footballer who evolved from a promising winger to a versatile wing-back currently plays for EFL Championship club Luton Town.

Moses began his career at Crystal Palace in the Championship before Wigan Athletic recognised his talent, granting him a Premier League debut in 2010. His rapid rise caught Chelsea’s attention, and after protracted negotiations, he joined the European champions in 2012.

Moses debuted for Chelsea as a substitute against Queens Park Rangers and soon scored his first goal during a League Cup rout of Wolverhampton Wanderers. He shone in the Champions League and Europa League, contributing critical goals and helping Chelsea secure the 2013 Europa League title, despite missing the final.

After a promising first season, Moses spent loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City, and West Ham United. Returning to Chelsea in 2016, he played an important role in their Premier League-winning campaign under Antonio Conte as a versatile wing-back. Subsequent seasons saw Moses on loan at Fenerbaçhe, Inter Milan, and Spartak Moscow.

Internationally, Moses represented England at youth levels before committing to Nigeria in 2012. With 38 caps and 12 goals, he played key roles in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. He retired from international football in 2018.

Celestine Hycieth Babayaro

As a left-back and midfielder, Celestine Hycieth Babayaro, a Nigerian football legend, carved an impressive legacy. Popular for his skill and iconic backflip celebrations, Babayaro’s career spanned across some of football's biggest stages.

Babayaro made his mark in the Premier League, primarily during his seven-year tenure at Chelsea from 1997 to 2005. Signed in April 1997 for a then-record fee of £2.25 million for a teenager, he quickly became a fan favourite. His debut came in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup against Slovan Bratislava, but a severe injury later that year ruled him out for the rest of the season. As a result, he missed Chelsea's triumphs in the 1998 Football League Cup final and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final.

Despite this setback, Babayaro played a crucial role in Chelsea’s success, contributing to their UEFA Super Cup victory in 1998, their 2000 FA Cup triumph, and their 2000 Charity Shield win. He was also pivotal during Chelsea's 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League campaign, although he was sent off in a dramatic quarter-final against Barcelona.

Over his Chelsea career, Babayaro competed fiercely with Graeme Le Saux and made over 200 appearances for the club.

After leaving Chelsea, he joined Newcastle United in 2005, where he played until 2008. A brief stint with MLS side LA Galaxy followed though he retired in 2010 without making an official appearance.

Internationally, Babayaro was a stalwart for Nigeria from 1995 to 2004, featuring in two Olympic squads, two World Cups, and three African Cup of Nations tournaments. He was also a key member of Nigeria's 1996 Olympic gold-winning team.

John Obi-Mikel

Micheal John Obi, widely known as John Obi-Mikel, had a remarkable football career that spanned continents and triumphs. Born in Nigeria, he began his journey at Plateau United before moving to Norwegian club Lyn in 2004 at just 17. His career took a dramatic turn in 2006 when he signed for Chelsea amidst a controversial transfer dispute with Manchester United.

During his trophy-laden 11-year tenure at Stamford Bridge, Mikel established himself as a dependable defensive midfielder. 

He won an impressive array of silverware, including two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the prestigious 2011–12 Champions League trophy. After leaving Chelsea, his football journey continued with stints at Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, and Stoke City, showcasing his adaptability in diverse footballing landscapes.

On the international stage, Mikel donned the Nigerian jersey 91 times over a 14-year career, scoring six goals. His leadership was evident during his country's key tournaments, making him one of Nigeria’s most iconic players. 

Intriguingly, his name “Mikel” arose from an NFA clerical error during the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. Embracing the mistake, he later officially adopted the name in 2016. 

Off the pitch, Mikel faced heartbreaking challenges, including the kidnapping of his father in 2011 and again in 2018. Despite these personal ordeals, he exhibited immense emotional composure, prioritising his responsibilities on the field. His father’s safe return on both occasions only proved his strength during crises.

Beyond football, Mikel was named Nigeria’s Youth Ambassador in 2021 by former sports minister, Sunday Dare.

Ola Aina

Temitayo Olufisayo Olaoluwa “Ola” Aina is a professional full-back currently playing for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Ola Aina as he is fondly called also represents the Nigeria national team despite being eligible to represent England at the senior level.

Aina's journey began when he joined Chelsea's academy as an under-11. His youth career was proof of his potential, with standout performances in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and finals during the 2012–13 season. 

Representing Chelsea at under-18, under-19, and under-21 levels, Aina's growth as a player was evident. His first-team debut came in a pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon in July 2014, where he started before being substituted for Branislav Ivanović in a 3–2 victory.

Ahead of the 2015–16 season, Aina impressed Chelsea manager José Mourinho during their pre-season tour, earning a spot in the first-team squad. 

While he trained with the senior team throughout the campaign, he continued to feature prominently for the under-21 and under-19 sides. Despite his promise, limited first-team opportunities led Aina to decline a contract extension.

In July 2017, Aina was loaned to Hull City to gain regular playing time.

Around this time, he decided to switch international allegiances from England to Nigeria, obtaining a Nigerian passport in May 2017. Later that month, he received his first call-up for Nigeria, officially donning the green jersey.

Though he missed the final squad for the 2018 World Cup, Aina played a vital role in Nigeria's qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, notably assisting the winning goal against Burundi. In December 2021, he was named in Nigeria's squad for the 2021 AFCON and still actively plays for the national team.

Taye Taiwo, Taribo West, other Super Eagles stars to have played for AC Milan

Previously, TheRadar compiled interesting facts about Nigerian internationals, active or retired, who played for Italian club, AC Milan, in detail. 

From Taribo West's unique hairstyle and robust defending to Taye Taiwo's blistering left-foot strikes, all the way to Samuel Chukwueze's electric wing play, there’s so much history between Nigeria and AC Milan.