French-born star targeted by Eric Chelle nets first Premier League goal as West Ham draw Southampton

French-born midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu netted a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw for Southampton against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, scored his first-ever Premier League goal in what was his 34th top-flight appearance across two seasons — 12 with Chelsea last term and 22 so far this campaign with the Saints. Ugochukwu's only previous senior goal came in France’s Ligue 1 for Rennes during the 2021–22 season.

Jarrod Bowen had put West Ham ahead shortly after the break, cutting inside to curl a left-footed effort past the goalkeeper in the 47th minute. That appeared to set the Hammers on course for their first win in six matches.

However, with the home side retreating deeper and making defensive substitutions in the closing stages, Southampton pushed forward and were rewarded in stoppage time.

Kyle Walker-Peters made an enterprising run into the box and his attempted cross was deflected. The loose ball dropped invitingly for Ugochukwu, who struck a sweet volley into the bottom corner to level the scores.

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The match itself was largely lacking in quality and goalmouth action. Kamaldeen Sulemana came closest to scoring in the first half when his long-range effort rattled the crossbar. Aside from the two goals, chances were few and far between.

Statistically, the game was finely balanced. West Ham had a slight edge in possession with 51.3%, and an xG of 0.82 from 12 shots — four of which were on target. Southampton had an xG of 0.75 from their 15 efforts, also registering four on target.

Ugochukwu, who is eligible to play for Nigeria through his heritage, has attracted the interest of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.

The midfielder, who is the nephew of former Nigeria international Onyekachi Apam, has represented France at every youth level up to U21 and was part of the French squad that won silver at the 2024 Olympic Games.

Despite his ties to France, he is yet to make a senior appearance, and Chelle is said to be monitoring his situation closely, hoping to persuade him to switch allegiance to Nigeria — a move that would require FIFA clearance.

Southampton’s draw sees them draw level with Derby County’s infamous 11-point 2007-08 campaign, avoiding the Premier League’s all-time lowest tally for now.

They face Fulham next. West Ham, without a win in six, travel to Brighton in search of a much-needed three points.