Former Nigerian international, Seyi Olofinjana, has been appointed by Chelsea Football club on a talent management role focused on Africa, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
Exclusively reported first by The Athletic, Olofijana in his new position at Chelsea will oversee recruitment recommendations across Africa, collaborating with a newly-appointed scout dedicated to the region.
The former Kwara United player will focus on enhancing Chelsea’s connections in Africa, streamlining the pathway for players to join the BlueCo project involving the London club and its sister operation, RC Strasbourg, in France. According to The Athletic, he will also support players in their adaptation and integration once they arrive at their destination.
Since retiring in 2014 following a brief period in Norway, Olofinjana has transitioned into various developmental roles. He served in under-23 coaching and development at Wolves and held the position of loans and pathways manager.
The former Crown FC of Ogbomosho player also spent a year as Sporting Director at Grasshoppers Zurich in Switzerland until 2022. Olofinjana holds a UEFA Pro Coaching License.
Who is Seyi Olofijana?
Seyi George Olofinjana, aged 44 was born in Lagos, and is a former professional footballer who made his mark as a midfielder. With a degree in Chemical Engineering, Olofinjana’s career path began in the Nigerian League before moving to Europe.
Olofinjana’s football journey began with local Nigerian clubs Crown and Kwara United. His talent quickly propelled him to Europe, where he joined Norwegian side SK Brann. After two successful seasons in Norway, he caught the attention of English club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
At Wolves, Olofinjana established himself as a key player, amassing 135 appearances over four seasons. His consistent performances earned him a move to Premier League side Stoke City in August 2008 for a transfer fee of £3 million. After one season with Stoke, Olofinjana transferred to Hull City, another Premier League club, also for £3 million. His career also included stints with Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday.
Internationally, Olofinjana made his debut for the Nigeria national team in June 2000, contributing to a 3–2 victory over Malawi. Throughout his career, he earned 56 caps for the Super Eag;les representing Nigeria with distinction on the global stage.
Besides his extensive football career, Olofinjana is the executive director of Nigerian third-division side Imperial FC. At Imperial FC, he has developed an academy and talent procurement system, successfully nurturing talents like Taiwo Awoniyi, who moved to Liverpool in 2015 and now plays for Nottingham Forest.