**Delap's Chelsea Misstep: A Lesson for Young Nigerian Footballers** Liam Delap, the young Chelsea striker, has been a subject of concern for many football fans following his £30m move from Ipswich Town last summer. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is the latest to weigh in on the situation, expressing his opinion that Delap's decision to join the Blues was a mistake. For most young Nigerian footballers, the idea of playing for a top-tier European club like Chelsea is a dream come true. However, Carragher believes that the jump from Ipswich to Chelsea is too big for a young player like Delap. He thinks that a mid-table club, such as Everton, would have been a better fit for Delap's development. Imagine a young Nigerian player like Victor Osimhen or Samuel Chukwueze, making the move from Warri Wolves or Enyimba to a mid-table team like Kano Pillars or Enugu Rangers. It's a more gradual step, allowing them to gain experience and build their confidence without the pressure of playing for a top-tier club. Carragher's point is that Delap needed a team where he could play regularly and develop his skills without the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for a big club. At Chelsea, Delap has only started four matches since the turn of the year, and it's clear that he's not getting the game time he needs to improve. In conclusion, Delap's move to Chelsea may have been a lucrative one, but it may ultimately hinder his development as a player. As Nigerian footballers continue to chase their dreams in Europe, they would do well to take a page from Carragher's book and consider the benefits of a mid-table club. It's a more sustainable way to build a career and avoid the pitfalls of playing for a top-tier club too soon.