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Lesley Ugochukwu’s father explains why ex-Chelsea star may snub Nigeria for France

Football • 1d ago
Lesley Ugochukwu’s father explains why ex-Chelsea star may snub Nigeria for France
**Lesley Ugochukwu's International Ambition Hinges on Safety Concerns** Lesley Ugochukwu, the talented 21-year-old midfielder, may have a tough decision to make regarding his international football career. Born to a Nigerian father in France, he is eligible to represent both countries at the senior level. But his father's words suggest that a switch to the Super Eagles might not be on the cards anytime soon. Lesley's journey in France has been impressive, having represented their youth sides from under-18 to under-21. He even got the chance to play for France's Olympic team at the Maurice Revello Tournament. However, despite this strong connection, he has yet to receive a call-up to the senior France squad, leaving the door open for a possible switch to Nigeria. Lesley's move to England and his time at Chelsea and Southampton have made him a familiar face in the Premier League. His current stint at Burnley has seen him grow into a commanding midfielder, scoring three goals and providing two assists in 25 league matches. This impressive form has not gone unnoticed by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, who is keen to invite Lesley to join the Super Eagles. However, Lesley's father has expressed concerns about safety in Nigeria, which may deter the young player from making the switch. In an interview, he noted that while it's ultimately Lesley's decision, his children are aware of the security risks and prefer to remain in Europe. Despite this, Lesley's father is proud of his children's connection to their Nigerian roots. He has made sure they learn and speak Igbo, their ancestral language. This cultural connection is a testament to his efforts to keep their Nigerian heritage alive, even while living abroad. While Lesley would be a valuable addition to the Super Eagles midfield, Nigeria has a wealth of talented players to choose from. Established stars like Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika continue to shine on the international stage, and a new generation of players is emerging, including Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. It remains to be seen if Lesley will choose to join the Super Eagles or remain committed to his French roots.
Source: Original Article. AI-enhanced version.