Despite the initial snub, Chelle opens the door to Super Eagles for the New Boy gala

Galatasaray’s latest signing Lesley Ugochukwu has been told he has a chance of playing for Nigeria’s senior team despite initially turning down the opportunity, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Six days ago, the 22-year-old joined the Turkish team on loan from Burnley for an initial £3m with a

option to make the deal permanent next summer for another £22.5m or his transfer becomes mandatory if he makes 25 appearances.

The former France Under-21 international has passed a medical and Galatasaray say they have agreed a contract worth £2.25m a year and will now work to make it permanent at the end of the season.

Nephew of former Nigerian international defender Onyekachi Apam, his wish has always been to make the step up to the French senior team, but Nigerian team coach Eric Chelle has left the door open if he decides to change his mind.

“He (Lesley) is not a priority at the moment, but in case he changes his mind then we can have a conversation. However, playing for Nigeria also means having regular games for your club, so he has to do that for this to happen,” a source said.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

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