Hat-trick hero: How Orjiegbulam raised three football stars including Chelsea’s Lesley Ugochukwu
In football, we often celebrate goals, transfers and trophies but rarely the quiet architects behind the elite careers. This feature turns the spotlight away from the pitch and onto the
In football, we often celebrate goals, transfers and trophies but rarely the quiet architects behind the elite careers. This feature turns the spotlight away from the pitch and onto the man who laid the foundation—
Chief Ugochukwu Orjiegbulam, Udo Obodo 1 of Awaka, shared how his faith, fatherhood, heritage and the deliberate choices shaped the exciting careers of his three footballing children including English Premier League midfielder at Burnley, Chimuanya Lesley Ugochukwu. He spoke with TUNDE LIADI.
In Orji Uratta, Owerri North, life was defined by structure, faith and community especially for Chief Ugochukwu Orjiegbulam- famous for his foray into youth development particularly through football,
“I came from a Christian family at Orji Uratta in Owerri North, Imo State,” Orjiegbulam began in a lively conversation with Nation Sports.
Born into a family of eight—four boys and four girls—he was the third child and second son, raised to understand responsibility early.
“Those early years shaped me,” he reflects, “and they are the same values I passed on to my children.”
After completing his formal education, the search for greener pastures took him far from home.
“I left Nigeria for Germany at first before some stints in Holland and finally France after my formal education in Nigeria,” he said simply but behind that sentence lies sacrifice, uncertainty and courage.
Europe offered opportunity but it also demanded adaptation. Football, which he had played passionately as a youth, became both comfort and connection.
“I played football while young but had to stop because of injury,” he explained. “It was just for fun then; I never saw the business side of football.”
His journey through football did not end in Nigeria. In Europe, he briefly played for ADO Den Haag in Holland before settling in France, where life took a decisive turn.
“After I left the club, I moved to France and it was there I had my three kids,” he recalled, crediting his wife, Lolo Eucharia, as his pillar.“She has been very supportive; I don’t think I would have achieved what I have today without her.”
Together, they raised Lesley Chimuanya, Churchill Chibuike and Stephanie Munachi Ugochukwu as football slowly became a family language.
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“It wasn’t by my power that my three children are playing football,” Orjiegbulam insisted. “Yes, I played, but God had His own plan.”
While playing for the All Stars of Stade Rennes and later a regional side, Gayeulles, he often took young Lesley along to training.
“Despite his young age, my coach allowed him to train with us,” he said. “That was where he picked interest in football.”
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Lesley’s pathway was gradual and structured. He started at Gayeulles, moved to another local club around age seven, and at nine joined Stade Rennes, where he grew through every level until turning professional.
“Stade Rennes Academy deserves thumbs up,” Orjiegbulam stated firmly. “They are very disciplined. Any child that passes through there comes out disciplined.”
That environment produced world stars—Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga, Mathys Tel, Jeremy Jacquet, Désiré Doué—and Lesley was part of that lineage.
“When Camavinga left, Lesley took over his wardrobe,” he recalled with pride.
Rennes, he admitted , has been ranked the best youth academy in France for three consecutive seasons, even ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
“In France, you play according to performance. You must pass through the stages before you are deemed fit.”
Beyond club structure, mentorship played a huge role. Though not blood relatives, Onyekachi Apam and Elderson Echiejile became family.
“We became like friends and family,” Orjiegbulam explained. “My children grew up seeing them as uncles.” Their humility, despite elite careers, became teaching tools. “I used them as examples because despite their achievements, they are still very humble.
“I have lived in Europe for more than 25 years and I have never forgotten my language. That is what I implanted in my kids.” Igbo was spoken at home—even used on the pitch.
“I taught my children Igbo language and it helped our communication especially in the midst of people.”
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The children have visited Nigeria a couple of times and, according to their father, “They speak Igbo as if they were born in Imo State.”
Lesley’s career journey—from Rennes to Chelsea, Southampton and now Burnley—has been filled with defining moments.
“Seeing him play for Chelsea was one of the proudest moments of my life,” Orjiegbulam admitted. “The Blues are one of the best teams in the world.
“ But I don’t allow what they earn and who they are get into their heads.”
When Lesley struggled early in England, Apam intervened again.
“He called him and told him he must be strong and patient,” he recalled. “That his time would come.” Today, watching Lesley’s refined game in the Premier League, he sees maturity beyond age.
“He is mature in all ramifications—even more than his 21 years.”
Comparisons with Patrick Vieira do not surprise him, but patience remains his watchword. “This is just the beginning. Only time will tell.”
For Chief Orjiegbulam, the greatest victory is unity: “As Ugochukwu family, we are one. Whenever Lesley or Chibuike is playing, it is always tension-soaked but we are always there.
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He believes patience is the most misunderstood virtue in modern football.
“There is no hurry in life,” he said calmly. “I have been through a lot, and my children inherited patience from me.” That belief has shaped how he navigates the careers of Lesley and Churchill, both products of the elite Rennes system.
“Chibuike signed his first professional contract with Stade Rennes in November last year,” he says with quiet satisfaction. Unlike many football households, rivalry has no space. “They don’t compete among themselves. Chibuike sees Lesley as his role model.”
Stephanie’s story adds another layer. Initially hesitant, Chief Orjiegbulam admits, “At a time, I never wanted her to play football.” But her determination changed his mind. “She said football shouldn’t be for boys alone.” Today, she plays for Saint Grégoire competing against girls four years older, alongside Ousmane Dembélé’s younger sister.
National allegiance remains a personal choice for his children. “It is their decision,” he says. “They know Nigeria is where they come from, but for security reasons they prefer to remain where they are.” Still, he believes the pull of home remains strong.
Looking ahead, his vision extends beyond family. “I am trying to build a legacy,” he declares. “That when I am no longer here, the name Ugochukwu Orjiegbulam will still ring a bell.” His planned Lesley Churchill Stephanie (LCS) Academy is central to that dream—an institution that will give youths opportunity, structure and hope.
For him, football is a tool, not the destination.
“Lesley has set a standard,” he said. “But what matters most is character.”
As he watches his children grow—on and off the pitch—Chief Ugochukwu Orjiegbulam stands as proof that the strongest foundations are often built far from the spotlight.
