Nwa shishi ga-abụ oke ọkụkọ, a na-ama ya ozugbo o si n’akwa pụta.

Literal translation

A chick that will become a cock can be recognised as soon as it hatches.

Explanation

The proverb uses a young bird to say that ability may show itself long before it matures.

When to use it

When someone's promise is already visible at an early stage.

Source: Anyabuike, proverb 10.