Chelsea appear to be clearing house ahead of the 2025/26 season and two Nigerian-eligible midfielders have been caught in the storm, Footynaija.com reports.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu have both been quietly removed from the senior players’ section on the club’s official website, according to the Mirror.
This is a strong indication that neither figures in Enzo Maresca’s plans for the upcoming campaign.
Chukwuemeka, 21, joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022 but has struggled for regular playing time, spending the latter part of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
Ugochukwu, also 21, arrived from Rennes in 2023 and was loaned out to Southampton last summer. Notably, he is the nephew of ex-Nigerian international Onyekachi Apam.
Despite Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu’s youth international caps for England and France respectively, both players remain eligible to represent Nigeria at senior level.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is understood to be keeping close tabs on the duo as he continues to assess long-term midfield options for the national team.
Lesley Ugochukwu, authorized for medical at Burnley after permanent deal agreed with Chelsea.
Both Armando Broja and Ugochuwku sign on permanent deal, contracts to be signed and sealed this week.
Here we go. ✅ pic.twitter.com/DIa8wnQf20
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 4, 2025
Chelsea have already trimmed their squad significantly this summer, and the list of players omitted from the club’s website includes big names like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, both of whom are expected to leave before the window shuts.
The absence of Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu from official listings suggests a move away from Stamford Bridge is imminent for both players.