Super Eagles: Can Lesley Ugochukwu solve Nigeria’s midfield problems?

A video of Lesley Ugochukwu training in Nigeria alongside Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho left Nigerians questioning whether Eric Chelle can finally convince the Burnley midfielder, Afrik Foot reports.

Pictures emerging from a charity match in Imo State showed Ugochukwu in the company of Iheanacho, a free agent after Celtic allowed his contract to expire.

Ugochukwu made 35 appearances for Burnley in the Premier League last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist, but away from the numbers, the midfielder is operating at a level that would immediately elevate Nigeria’s options in the middle of the park.

Yet, there are huge doubts as to whether Ugochukwu will ever put on the green and white of Nigeria.

Born in France to Nigerian parents, the midfielder is eligible to represent both nations at senior level. His journey has leaned strongly towards France, where he has featured for their youth sides from U-18 to U-21, and he represented the Les Bleus Olympic team. He has yet to receive a call-up to the French senior team, leaving the door open for the Super Eagles to swoop in.

Ugochukwu Lesley and Bouaddi Ayyoub. Copyright: ImagoxFAUGERExFRANCKx

Is Lesley Ugochukwu open to playing for Nigeria?

Ugochukwu has visited his grandparents and extended family on multiple occasions in Nigeria; it isn’t a new feat.

His uncle, Onyekachi Apam, accrued 14 caps for the Super Eagles, including two AFCON tournaments, and Ugochukwu has spoken openly about being extremely proud of his Nigerian roots.

Onyekachi Apam. Copyright: Imago

In an interview with Chelsea’s official website, he revealed that John Mikel Obi was a childhood inspiration.

‘Most of the time when I saw him on television was the period with Mourinho,’ recalls Ugochukwu.

‘It was a great period. He was such an important player for Chelsea. And when you come from Nigeria, the names of Jay-Jay Okocha and Obi Mikel always come out.

‘As a midfielder, what Mikel did for Chelsea inspired me a lot. He was calm. He had composure. He had self-confidence.

‘That’s very important for a midfielder, to give confidence to your team. He was strong without the ball, aggressive.

‘That’s the kind of player I like. I want to have great achievements like he did.’

Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. Copyright: ImagoxDennisxGoodwinx

His Father has previously stated that security concerns in Nigeria played a role in the family’s thinking about international allegiance.

‘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.’

Ugochukwu’s Father was clear that he wouldn’t be involved in his child’s decision-making, but admitted he’s given his son enough of the two cultures to equip the midfielder for whatever choice he makes.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Photo by IMAGO

Can Ugochukwu solve Nigeria’s midfield problem?

The Super Eagles are yet to truly replace what Mikel Obi gave them in the defensive/central midfield role, and they have been searching for a successor ever since he retired in July 2019.

Wilfred Ndidi has been admirable in that position for years, but he is 29 and no longer has the energy he did during his time at Leicester City.

The next generation – Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Raphael Onyedika are talented, but there’s a gap in the technical level they provide, compared to Ugochukwu’s.

Lesley Ugochukwu of Burnley. Copyright: Imago

Ugochukwu’s profile fits the Super Eagles’ midfield blueprint. Standing at 1.9m, he is physically imposing. His ball-winning traits and composure under pressure, qualities he cited as central to his admiration of Mikel, are precisely what Nigeria lack when Ndidi is unavailable or not at his best.

The Super Eagles’ AFCON 2027 qualification campaign begins in September against Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

It is a group Nigeria should navigate comfortably, but the question of who anchors the midfield behind Osimhen, Lookman and the attacking players is one that Chelle has not yet answered definitively. Ugochukwu, if committed, answers it in a single phone call.