Time to play for Super Eagles! Nigeria-eligible Lesley Ugochukwu withdraws from France team

Chelsea signed Ugochukwu from Stade Rennais for a fee of £23.1 million last season but struggled to make a mark in the team.

He made just 15 appearances for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners across all competitions but still earned a call-up for the France Olympic team.

A few weeks back, Ugochukwu was selected by Thierry Henry for France’s Olympic team and was preparing for the tournament with other French stars.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has verified that Chelsea has recalled Lesley from his Olympic squad, according to The Athletic.

It was reported that the Chelsea star picked up an injury that has ruled him out of representing France at the Olympics.

Ugochukwu's decision to leave the French team gives him the opportunity to choose to play for Nigeria.

He has also spent some time in Nigeria following a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Chelsea.

However, It is unclear if he would be willing to play in the future for the three-time AFCON Champions.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are considering Ugochukwu's loan alternatives, with a top priority club for the midfield player to play the entire season with a Premier League team.

The team led by Enzo Maresca is getting ready for a preseason trip of the United States, where they will play against AFC Wrexham, Celtic, Club América, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan in an effort to improve on their 2024–2025 campaign.

The French midfielder was invited to be a part of the team's preseason roster by the Italian boss, and the team is scheduled to depart on Monday.