Nephew of 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist makes full debut for Chelsea

Lesley Ugochukwu, the nephew of 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist and retired Nigeria international Onyekachi Apam, will make his full debut for Premier League giants Chelsea on Wednesday evening, barring an injury in the warmup. 

The France underage international has been named in Chelsea's starting lineup for the London derby against AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the Carabao Cup. 

Ugochukwu joined Chelsea on August 1, signing a a seven-year contract, with a club option of a further year. 

The 19-year-old is set to make his starting debut for the Blues, after coming off the bench in Premier League matches against Liverpool and Luton Town, with both games held at Stamford Bridge. 

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has decided to hand a full debut to Ugochukwu with several senior players either missing as a result of injuries or rested ahead of their Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest.

During his time at Rennes, the 2023 Golden Boy nominee totaled 25 starts consisting of 18 in the Ligue 1, 5 in the Europa League and one apiece in the Europa Conference League qualifiers and Coupe de France. 

Meanwhile, another Super Eagles-eligible player in Noni Madueke also makes his first start of the season for Chelsea against the League Two side, while Carney Chukwuemeka is unavailable for selection due to injury. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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