Nigeria’s eligible defensive midfielder Lesley Chimuanya Ugochukwu has withdrawn from France’s squad for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 20-year-old joined Chelsea from Stade Rennais for £23.1million but struggled to establish himself in Chelsea’s midfield, making 15 appearances for the two-time UEFA Champions League winners in all competitions.

Ugochukwu was named in Thierry Henry’s provisional squad for France’s Olympic campaign and prepared to start the tournament alongside other French stars such as Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

From The AthleticsThe French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that Chelsea have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from the French Olympic squad.

Enzo Maresca’s team are preparing for their pre-season tour of the United States of America, where they will face AFC Wrexham, Celtic, Club América, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Inter Milan as they prepare for a brighter campaign. The team leaves on Monday and the Italian manager wanted the French midfielder to be part of their pre-season squad.

Chelsea are exploring the possibility of loaning Ugochukwu, with the priority being for the midfielder to play for a Premier League team for the season so he can gain experience.

Ugochukwu was born in Rennes, France. The 20-year-old midfielder is of Igbo-Nigerian descent and holds dual nationality. He is also the cousin of former Rennes and Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam.

His withdrawal from the French team opens a window for him to opt for Nigeria. He represented the French team up to the U-23 team, but also spent some time in Nigeria after injuring his hamstring at Chelsea.

In his Instagram post, the 1.9m midfielder claimed that he was spending some time with family in Nigeria. It is not known if he would be open to playing for the three-time AFCON champions in the future.

The remaining French teammates will play against the US, Guinea and New Zealand in Group A of the 2024 Paris Olympics for men.