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Chelsea has appointed former former Nigeria international Seyi Olofinjana to a crucial talent management role, focusing on African recruitment.

The 44-year-old, who earned 56 caps for Nigeria, brings a wealth of experience to the position.

Olofinjana, known for his impressive stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers where he played 147 matches and scored 18 goals between 2004 and 2008, also had spells at Cardiff City, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City, and Hull City in the Premier League.

Following his retirement in 2014 after a brief stint in Norway, Olofinjana transitioned into coaching and development roles. He worked with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ under-23 team and served as loans and pathways manager.

In 2021, he was appointed Sporting Director at Grasshoppers Zurich in Switzerland, a position he held until 2022. Olofinjana’s credentials are further bolstered by his UEFA Pro coaching license.

In his new role at Chelsea, Olofinjana will oversee recruitment recommendations across Africa.

He will collaborate with a newly-appointed scout dedicated to the region, enhancing Chelsea’s connections in Africa and streamlining the pathway for talented players to join both Chelsea in London and BlueCo’s sister operation, Strasbourg in France. Additionally, Olofinjana will support players upon their arrival, ensuring a smooth settling-in process and aiding in their adaptation.

Olofinjana’s journey began with Crown FC and Kwara United in Nigeria before moving to Norwegian club SK Brann in 2003 and then to England with Wolves a year later. His extensive experience and expertise make him a valuable asset in Chelsea’s ongoing efforts to identify and nurture football talent across Africa.

By leveraging his vast knowledge and networks, Chelsea aims to build stronger ties within the African football community, providing young talents with opportunities to shine on the global stage. With Olofinjana at the helm, the club is poised to enhance its scouting and development operations in the region, paving the way for the next generation of African football stars.