According to reports, Nigeria-eligible, Lesley Chimuanya Ugochukwu, has withdrawn from France’s 2024 Paris Olympics squad.
Chelsea signed Ugochukwu from Stade Rennais for a fee of £23.1 million last season but struggled to make a mark in the team.
He made just 15 appearances for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners across all competitions but still earned a call-up for the France Olympic team.
A few weeks back, Ugochukwu was selected by Thierry Henry for France’s Olympic team and was preparing for the tournament with other French stars.
![Heartbreak for Finidi George and Super Eagles as Eagles midfielder, Chelsea star make France squad](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/03062024/c07a00a9-84f1-49f1-b63b-651d8c79226a.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
10:31 - 03.06.2024
Heartbreak for Finidi George and Super Eagles as Eagles midfielder, Chelsea star make France squad
Finidi George and the Super Eagles face an uphill battle to convince the duo to switch allegiance after the latest move from France.
![Lesley Ugochukwu: Chelsea star celebrates 20th birthday with Nigerian parents](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/26032024/03f5b503-646f-4f91-a655-f4051fe15ec6.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
20:00 - 26.03.2024
Lesley Ugochukwu: Chelsea star celebrates 20th birthday with Nigerian parents
Super Eagles-eligible Chelsea star Lesley Chimuanya Ugochukwu celebrates his 20th birthday with Nigerian parents.
Ugochukwu withdraws from France team
The French Football Federation (FFF) has verified that Chelsea has recalled Lesley from his Olympic squad, according to The Athletic.
It was reported that the Chelsea star picked up an injury that has ruled him out of representing France at the Olympics.
![Ugochukwu, Chelsea star || Imago](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/20072024/e78d205d-d194-49bc-acae-990305008739.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Ugochukwu's decision to leave the French team gives him the opportunity to choose to play for Nigeria.
He has also spent some time in Nigeria following a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Chelsea.
![Lesley Ugochukwu, Chelsea midfielder || Imago](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/20072024/2d6e3a90-67d4-48ab-bed3-6cb9c595a8af.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
However, It is unclear if he would be willing to play in the future for the three-time AFCON Champions.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are considering Ugochukwu's loan alternatives, with a top priority club for the midfield player to play the entire season with a Premier League team.
The team led by Enzo Maresca is getting ready for a preseason trip of the United States, where they will play against AFC Wrexham, Celtic, Club América, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan in an effort to improve on their 2024–2025 campaign.
The French midfielder was invited to be a part of the team's preseason roster by the Italian boss, and the team is scheduled to depart on Monday.