Ebele Ojechi Wins N40m Prize For Chelsea FC-Inspired Fashion Collection

Nigerian fashion designer Ebele Ojechi has been named one of the top five winners of Chelsea Football Club’s prestigious Blue Creator Fund. As part of the award, she received a grand prize of $26,000 (N40 million) and valuable mentorship from renowned designer Nicholas Davey.

The competition attracted 800 applicants, with Ebele making it to the final round alongside Jerrell Cumberbatch, Gabin Kongolo, Letitia Inniss, and Still Shadey.

To honor their achievements, a special exhibition featuring the work of these five talented creatives was unveiled on March 22 at London’s Saatchi Gallery as part of Chelsea FC’s 120th-anniversary celebration. The three-day event not only highlights their artistry but also serves as a platform to engage football fans with fresh creative perspectives from diverse backgrounds.

Each finalist’s work is displayed at the Saatchi Gallery, alongside Chelsea FC’s memorabilia collection, which integrates art, photography, and cultural influences. The exhibition features Chelsea players, fans, and well-known figures such as Madness, Paul Weller, and Raquel Welch. A significant focus is also placed on Chelsea’s women’s team, which has dominated the Women’s Super League in recent years and continues to chase multiple titles this season.

Ebele Ojechi: A Fusion of Football and Culture

Ebele Ojechi, a British-born fashion designer of Nigerian heritage, spoke with Forbes about her inspiration for the winning collection. Her designs draw from iconic Chelsea kits of the past, blended with elements of Igbo culture, reflecting her Nigerian roots.

Her capsule sportswear collection, titled “For the Glory,” explores themes of ‘home’ and ‘away’, mirroring the experiences of Nigerians living in London. This concept resonates deeply with Chelsea’s global fanbase, especially in Nigeria, where the club has one of its largest international followings.

The Igbo ethnic group, which numbers around 38 million people in 2024, represents a significant portion of Nigeria’s population. Given Nigeria’s strong ties to Chelsea FC, Ojechi’s collection serves as a creative tribute to loyal fans and cultural heritage, blending sports and identity in a unique and meaningful way.

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See some comments below:

@nicholas_daley:”Congratulations! Amazing collection.”

@tantoomuch:10/10 homie.”

@angemarcelkassi:’Cleanest in the game!!”

@azukathegreat:”👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 you’re doing well as always… Greatness.”

@claudine_rousseau:”Can’t wait to see this today! Looks incredible .”