Lesley and Chibuike Ugochukwu, nephews of retired Super Eagles defender, committed to France 

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Lesley Ugochukwu and his younger brother Chibuike Ugochukwu, who are nephews of retired Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, remain committed to the French national teams despite being eligible to play international football for Nigeria through their parents.

The older Ugiochukwu, who plays for Chelsea's first team, became provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth after making his competitive debut for their youth team in a European U19 Championship qualifier against Kazakhstan in November 2022.

A defender by trade, Chibuike Ugochukwu is a player of interest to the French Football Federation, having trained with the U15 national team in 2022 before making his debut for the U16s in a friendly against Wales last month. 

Chibuike is a product of the Stade Rennais academy, just like his sibling, and currently plays for the club's U17 team.

It is understood that Lesley is aiming to break into France's senior set up in the not too distant future and for this reason, the Nigeria Football Federation have a tough task on their hands to convince him to switch his nationality from France to Nigeria. 

Speculation in the local media that the midfielder's dad set up a meeting with former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr to discuss the player's international future are incorrect. 

Lesley's father has not received any call from Nigeria coaches past and present with regards to the Chelsea star playing for the Super Eagles.

Lesley has started all the four games played by France U21 national team so far this season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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