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Manchester United's rising star Chido Obi-Martin delivered a stunning performance, scoring a hat trick in a commanding 5-1 win over Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup at Leigh Sports Village. His heroics helped United secure a spot in the next round, with James Scanlon adding two more goals. Chelsea’s only response came from Reggie Walsh.
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Obi-Martin's remarkable form in the continues, taking his tally to seven goals in three matches. The 17 year old Danish-Nigerian striker joined United last summer after an impressive spell at Arsenal’s academy, where he netted 32 goals and provided three assists in just 18 appearances.
Since his arrival, he has quickly settled in at Old Trafford, scoring 12 goals and delivering two assists before this match. His latest hat-trick increases his season total to 15 goals across all youth competitions. His performances have drawn attention from Manchester United’s top brass, earning him his first professional contract with the club.
Reports suggest that United are already considering integrating him into the senior squad, given his immense potential. If his goal-scoring form continues, a first-team debut could be on the horizon.
Chelsea’s squad featured Nigerian players Olutayo Subuloye and Landon Emenalo, who both played the full match, while Chizaram Ezenwata came on as a second-half substitute.
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Chido Obi-Martin’s sensational rise serves as another reminder of the growing influence of dual-nationality players in football. His performance in the FA Youth Cup underscores the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to shine on bigger stages.
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For Manchester United, his rapid development offers both excitement and a challenge. The club must carefully manage his transition from youth football to senior level, ensuring he is not rushed into first-team action prematurely. The pressure of playing for a club of United’s stature is immense, and many young stars have struggled with the weight of expectations. However, Obi-Martin’s confidence and goal scoring ability suggest he has the potential to handle it.
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His case also raises the question of international allegiance. Nigeria has a history of losing promising talents to European nations, and with Obi-Martin eligible to play for Denmark and Nigeria, both federations will likely be keen to secure his commitment. Nigeria must act swiftly if they hope to convince him to wear the Super Eagles jersey in the future.
As his reputation grows, so too will the interest from clubs across Europe. If United do not provide a clear pathway to the first team, other top sides may attempt to lure him away. For now, however, his focus remains on proving himself at Old Trafford, and performances like this will only strengthen his case for a senior debut.
Did You Know?
Chido Obi-Martin once scored ten goals in a single match for Arsenal’s U16 side against Liverpool.
Manchester United last won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, with Alejandro Garnacho playing a key role in their triumph.
Chelsea has been the most successful club in FA Youth Cup history since 2010, winning seven titles in that period.
Obi-Martin is one of several young talents of Nigerian descent making waves in English football, alongside names like Nwaneri at Arsenal and Osimeh at Manchester City.
Manchester United’s academy has produced stars such as Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Marcus Rashford, reinforcing its reputation as one of the best youth systems in world football.