Lesley Ugochukwu is edging closer to becoming eligible to represent the Super Eagles, with sources indicating the former Chelsea midfielder is on the verge of obtaining a Nigerian passport, Footynaija.com reports.
The 22-year-old defensive midfielder was spotted playing street football in Imo State during the summer holidays, drawing thousands of views online and reigniting debates about a potential switch. He was also photographed alongside Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho at a football tournament in the state, in what gave Nigerians further reason to believe his ties to the country go beyond the casual.
Born in Rennes to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent from Aba in Abia State, Ugochukwu is the nephew of former Super Eagles centre-back Onyekachi Apam, who featured for Nigeria at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. He has represented France at every youth level from under-18 to under-23, but has never received a senior cap for Les Bleus, a window that remains open for Nigeria to push through.
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The timing of the passport development is significant. Ugochukwu has just completed a move to Galatasaray, joining Victor Osimhen in Istanbul on an initial loan from Burnley with a mandatory purchase clause worth up to €28 million triggered by performance.
The deal moves him out of a crowded Premier League market and into a Champions League club where he is expected to play regularly, adding further weight to his profile ahead of any international decision.
As confirmed by journalist Ojora Babatunde, sources indicate Ugochukwu is close to obtaining the Nigerian passport, a step that would open the door formally to a Super Eagles future.
