NaijNaira
Tudor Mendel-Idowu returned to Kingsmeadow with a point to prove, and he did it in style as Ipswich Town stunned Chelsea 4-2 in Premier League 2 — www.naijnaira.com reports.
The 20-year-old winger, who has Nigerian heritage through his family, was once a promising talent at Chelsea’s Cobham academy before leaving in 2023.
Mendel-Idowu turned down a new deal with the Blues and instead chose Anderlecht, only to return to England with Ipswich the following season.
His goal on Saturday added more weight to a budding record that already shows four direct contributions in as many league appearances this campaign.
The night also carried a strong Nigerian presence, with six players of Nigerian descent featuring on the pitch and Nigerian referee Aji Ajibola taking charge of proceedings.
Chelsea’s Luca Fletcher struck first, but Ipswich hit back through Shumaira Mheuka before Mendel-Idowu put the visitors ahead on the stroke of halftime.
Ashley Boatswain increased the lead, assisted by Somto Boniface, while Chelsea’s Murray-Campbell narrowed the deficit.
Rio Oudnie-Morgan’s late strike sealed the contest, leaving Chelsea frustrated and Ipswich celebrating a memorable away triumph.
Mendel-Idowu’s family ties run deep in football, with his grandfather John Adeleye-Abai once wearing the green and white of Nigeria.
“Coming back here and scoring felt incredible,” Mendel-Idowu said after the match, summing up a night that will be remembered by Ipswich fans.
