Lesley Ugochukwu may never pull on the green and white of Nigeria, if the words of his father, Ugochukwu Orjiegbulam, are anything to go by, Soccernet.ng reports.
Born in France to a Nigerian father, the midfielder is eligible to represent both nations at senior level. So far, his journey has leaned strongly towards France, where he has featured for their youth sides from under-18 to under-21.
That pathway continued when he represented France’s Olympic team at the Maurice Revello Tournament, a move that strengthened his connection with the European nation. However, he is yet to receive a call-up to the senior France squad, a situation that still leaves the door open for a possible switch to Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
After rising in France, Ugochukwu moved to England and quickly became familiar to Premier League followers. His time at Chelsea and a loan spell at Southampton proved challenging, but his career has picked up since his permanent move to Burnley last summer.
Now growing into a commanding midfielder, the 21-year-old has scored three goals and provided two assists in 25 league matches as Burnley battle to stay up. His form has placed him on the radar of Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, even though a first Super Eagles invitation has yet to arrive.
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Lesley Ugochukwu: Security concerns cloud Nigeria switch
While stressing that his children are free to choose their international future, Ugochukwu’s father revealed that safety worries in Nigeria have played a major role in their thinking.
“It is their decision,” Ugochukwu's father told the Nation.
“They know Nigeria is where they come from, but for security reasons they prefer to remain where they are.”
Despite this, he expressed pride in raising his children to stay connected to their roots and culture, even while living in Europe for over 25 years.
“I have lived in Europe for more than 25 years and I have never forgotten my language,” he said. “That is what I implanted in my kids. Igbo was spoken at home, even used on the pitch.
“I taught my children Igbo language and it helped our communication especially in the midst of people.
“They speak Igbo as if they were born in Imo State.”
Although Ugochukwu would be a strong addition to the Super Eagles midfield, Nigeria are not short of options.
Established names such as Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika have continued to shine on the international stage, most notably at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
There is also a new generation pushing through, including Olympique de Marseille youngster Tochukwu Nnadi and Pisa SC's gem Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, all eager to build their own chapter in Nigeria’s football story.
