Chelsea hand Poland-born Ashanti Akpan first-ever professional contract

Chelsea Women have announced a first professional contract for youngster Ashanti Akpan, who just turned 18 last month.

Akpan, born to a Polish mother and a Nigerian father in Warsaw, has been part of the Chelsea youth set-up since she was eight years old in 2013 and is finally making the step up to become part of the senior team.

She already made her debut for the Chelsea first-team last season, appearing in the National Cup tie against Reading.

The Super Falcons-eligible star has also been named on the bench for one of Chelsea’s UEFA Women’s Champions League matches against Real Madrid in November 2022.

The midfielder expressed her happiness with her new contract, announcing the deal on social media platform X.

She posted a picture of herself signing the deal with the caption, “Such a dream come true to sign my first professional contract at my childhood club.”

Although she is eligible to represent Nigeria or Poland due to her ancestry, Akpan might lean towards playing for England, where she grew up, and she has already played for the Lionesses’ U-16 team.