Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has begun efforts to convince Galatasaray midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu to represent Nigeria at senior international level.
According to reports, Chelle has instructed his scouting team to make initial contact with the 22-year-old midfielder to assess his willingness to switch his international allegiance from France to Nigeria.
Ugochukwu, who was born in Rennes, France, to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, has represented France at various youth levels, including the Under-21 team and the Olympic squad. However, the midfielder remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles because he has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for Les Bleus, allowing him to file a one-time switch under FIFA regulations.
The Galatasaray midfielder also has strong family ties to Nigerian football. He is the nephew of former Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, and reports suggest he recently obtained a Nigerian passport.
During the off-season, Ugochukwu spent time in Nigeria, visiting his ancestral hometown in Imo State, where he participated in a charity football match and joined local street football sessions alongside Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
The latest approach is part of Chelle’s wider strategy to strengthen the Super Eagles with talented dual-national players eligible to represent Nigeria.
Since taking charge, the Malian tactician has successfully integrated several foreign-born players into the national team setup, handing senior debuts to Arthur Okonkwo, Femi Azeez, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Owen Oseni. He also recently convinced highly rated striker George Ilenikhena to commit his international future to Nigeria.
Ugochukwu joined Turkish champions Galatasaray on loan from Burnley in July 2026, with the Istanbul club holding an option to make the transfer permanent.
Despite Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League last season, the midfielder impressed with his commanding displays in central midfield, combining physicality, ball-winning ability, and composure in possession while contributing important goals and assists.
Standing at approximately 1.90 metres, Ugochukwu is widely regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders available to Nigeria and is viewed as a potential long-term solution in the heart of the Super Eagles midfield.
His profile fits Chelle’s vision of building a younger, more competitive squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and future international tournaments.
While no decision has been made regarding his international future, the initial contact represents a significant step in Nigeria’s bid to secure the services of one of Europe’s most highly rated dual-eligible midfielders.
With his recent visits to Nigeria, growing connection to his roots, and strong family links to the Super Eagles, optimism is increasing that Ugochukwu could eventually choose to wear the green and white jersey. However, the final decision now rests with the player as discussions over his international future continue.
