‘In Nigeria it’s one of the big clubs’ – Super Eagles-eligible player on his move to Chelsea

Lesley Ugochukwu made 35 appearances for French side Rennes last campaign before making the move to Stamford Bridge this summer

Super Eagles prospect, Lesley Ugochukwu, has revealed that Chelsea’s huge support in Nigeria is one of the reasons he made an easy decision to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 19-year-old made the move to English giants Chelsea this summer, having come through the ranks of French side Rennes before establishing himself in the first team.

Ugochukwu had established himself in the midfield of a team that finished fourth in Ligue 1 last season, recording 35 appearances and 2000 minutes of football in all competitions.

Having decided to leave his boyhood club Rennes for Chelsea just a few short months after his 19th birthday, Ugochukwu has revealed that one of his reasons for making the move is his Nigerian heritage.

The France U21 is the nephew of former Nigerian player Onyekachi Apam, who represented the country’s U20 Flying Eagles, Olympic National U23 team, and Super Eagles before hanging up his boots.

Ugochukwu’s Nigerian heritage has made him aware of the fans’ passion for the English Premier League, where almost every football fan has strong support for a particular team.

Having been aware of the huge support for the Blues in Nigeria through his parents, Ugochukwu has revealed that it is one of the reasons he was able to make an easy decision to join the club when the interest first arrived.

Signing for a club like Chelsea means something for them(his parents), too. In Nigeria, it’s one of the big clubs that everyone supports, The 19-year-old revealed during an interview, as quoted on chelseafc.com 

The French U21 of Nigerian descent singles out John Mikel Obi – another Nigerian who has once worn the Blues jersey, as an early inspiration, with their shared position and heritage.

Didier Drogba is another Blue that springs to mind, and he dreams of emulating the Ivorian’s success after he too made the move from Ligue1 to the Premier League.

The 19-year-old has played only eight minutes in the Premier League and a full ninety in the Carabao Cup since his summer move to the club.