Rennes' Ugochukwu, nephew of former Super Eagles defender, captains France U18s

Lesley Ugochukwu, nephew of retired Nigeria international defender Onyekachi Apam, made his debut for France U18s this month during the 14th edition of the Limoges International Tournament.

The Rennes defensive midfielder qualifies to represent France, where he was born, and Nigeria, where his father originally hails from.

Ugochukwu wore the captain's armband in his first appearance for Les Bleuets, helping them register a 2-1 win over Switzerland on September 1, before entering the game as a substitute in their loss to Portugal two days later and wasn't involved in their final game of the tourney against Spain on Sunday.

Blessed with excellent physical attributes, powerful and tall for his age, Ugochukwu was targeting a call-up to the Golden Eaglets before the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup but didn't get an invitation to join the team.

So far this season, the midfielder has featured in four of Rennes' six matches in all competitions, three of which he started.

It is envisaged that the 17-year-old will get more game time and establish himself as a first team regular in 2021-2022 following the departure of one of the hottest teenagers in world football, Eduardo Camavinga to Real Madrid.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : fff.fr