Nephew of Nigeria's 2008 Olympics silver medalist saves Chelsea again with late equaliser v Inter Milan

Lesley Ugochukwu, nephew of Nigeria's 2008 Olympics silver medalist Onyekachi Apam, netted a late goal to save Chelsea from suffering defeat in their last pre-season game against Inter Milan on Sunday evening at Stamford Bridge.

Ugochukwu was initially named to France's squad for the 2024 Olympic Games but was withdrawn from the 22-man roster by Chelsea as new manager Enzo Maresca wanted to take a look at him during pre-season preparations.

This is not the first time in pre-season that the France U23 international has prevented the Blues from a defeat as he also netted a late equaliser in their 2-2 draw with Wrexham after coming off the bench. 

While Noni Madueke was named in the starting lineup, there was a 'home debut' for summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo who came off the bench to replace Wesley Fofana in the 69th minute, eleven minutes before Ugochukwu entered the game as a substitute.

Amid speculation surrounding his future, Carney Chuwkuemeka was an unused substitute for the fourth game in a row.

In the 26th minute, Marcus Thuram broke the deadlock with a precise diagonal shot following a counter-attack,

Ugochukwu salvaged a draw in the 90th minute when he rifled the ball into the net from close range after capitalizing on a rebound.

Although the French-Nigerian defensive midfielder has shown promise in pre-season, it is still unclear whether he will be loaned out before the close of the summer transfer window.

Next Sunday, Chelsea start the Premier League season against defending champions Manchester City.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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