According to reports, Chelsea has hired Seyi Olofinjana, a former Nigerian international and Hull City player, to oversee talent on the African continent.
A recruitment team from Africa was established by Chelsea.
Olofinjana was brought on board to oversee operations.
has a great deal of experience on the continent.
The club would benefit greatly from the identification and development of young African talent by the 44-year-old Olofinjana, who has vast experience in both football administration and on the pitch. In addition to having a prosperous club career in Europe, he won 56 caps for Nigeria. He scored 18 goals in 147 games for Wolverhampton Wanderers between 2004 and 2008. Along with Premier League teams Stoke City and Hull, he also had stints with Championship teams Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday.
After spending some time in Norway, Olofinjana retired in 2014 and moved into coaching and football development. He worked for Wolverhampton Wanderers in a number of roles, including manager of loans and pathways. He further proved his administrative prowess while serving as Sporting Director of Grasshoppers Zurich in Switzerland till 2022. As a manager with a UEFA Pro Coaching License, Olofinjana is well qualified.
Working closely with a recently hired scout who is focused on Africa, Olofinjana will be in charge of recruiting recommendations throughout Africa in his new position at Chelsea. By hiring Olofinjana, Chelsea hopes to more effectively and efficiently access the large pool of African football talent, establishing a direct line to the London club and Strasbourg. He will also seek to improve the players’ experiences and facilitate their adjustment to new surroundings.
Olofinjana’s career started in Nigeria with Crown FC and Kwara United. In 2003, he moved to SK Brann in Norway, and a year later, he moved to Wolves in England. His longstanding relationships and knowledge of African football will be invaluable in his new position at Chelsea, as he works to expedite the European stage for African players. Development of an academy and acquisition of talent, such as Taiwo Awoniyi, who moved to Liverpool in 2015 and now plays for Nottingham Forest, have been made possible by him.
