Time for Nigeria switch? Lesley Ugochukwu withdrawn from France Olympic squad

Nigeria-eligible defensive midfielder, Lesley Chimuanya Ugochukwu, has withdrawn from France’s 2024 Paris Olympics squad, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 20-year-old joined Chelsea from Stade Rennais for a fee of £23.1 million but struggled to stamp his place in Chelsea’s midfield, making 15 appearances for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners across all competitions.

Ugochukwu was named in Thierry Henry’s preliminary selection for France’s Olympic campaign and was gearing up to start the tournament with other French stars like Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

As per The Athletic, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Chelsea have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from his participation with the France Olympic squad.

Enzo Maresca’s team are preparing for their pre-season tour in the United States of America, where they’ll take on AFC Wrexham, Celtic, Club América, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Inter Milan as they prepare for a better 2024/2025 campaign. The team will take off on Monday, and the Italian manager wanted the French midfielder to be a part of their pre-season squad.

Chelsea are reviewing loan options for Ugochukwu, prioritising that the midfielder spends the season with a  Premier League team to help him gain experience.

Ugochukwu was born in Rennes, France. The 20-year-old midfielder is of Igbo-Nigerian descent and holds dual nationality. He’s also the nephew of former Rennes and Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam.

His withdrawal from the French team opens up a window for him to opt to play for Nigeria. He has represented the French team up to the U-23 level but also spent some time in Nigeria after he injured his hamstring with Chelsea.

In his post on Instagram, the 1.9m tall midfielder claimed he was spending some time with family in Nigeria. It is unknown whether he’s open to playing for the three-time AFCON Champions in the future.

The remaining of his French teammates will play against the US, Guinea and New Zealand in Group A of the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s football competition.