Ugochukwu Scores Late Equaliser for Southampton Against West Ham

Lesley Ugochukwu scored a last-gasp goal to help Southampton earn a 1-1 draw against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.

The 21-year-old midfielder, who is on loan from Chelsea, found the net in stoppage time to rescue a point for the Saints. It was his first-ever Premier League goal, coming in his 34th appearance in the top flight — 12 of those with Chelsea last season, and 22 so far this campaign with Southampton. His only previous goal at senior level was for Rennes in the French league during the 2021–22 season.

West Ham had taken the lead just two minutes after the restart through Jarrod Bowen. The winger cut inside and curled a left-footed shot past the goalkeeper to put the home side in front, giving hope for a first win in six matches.

But West Ham sat deeper as the match wore on, trying to protect their lead with defensive changes. That gave Southampton more space to attack.

In added time, Kyle Walker-Peters drove into the box and saw his cross deflected. The loose ball fell perfectly for Ugochukwu, who struck a clean volley into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

The match was short on clear chances. In the first half, Kamaldeen Sulemana came close for Southampton when his powerful shot hit the crossbar. Aside from the two goals, there was little to separate the sides.

Ugochukwu, born in France but eligible to play for Nigeria, has caught the attention of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle. The midfielder is the nephew of former Nigerian international Onyekachi Apam and has played for France at all youth levels up to Under-21. He also won a silver medal with France at the 2024 Olympic Games.

However, he is yet to make a senior appearance for France, and Chelle is said to be keen on convincing him to switch to Nigeria — a move that would need FIFA approval.

The result means Southampton have now matched Derby County’s all-time low points total of 11 from the 2007–08 season, but avoided breaking the unwanted record for now.

Southampton’s next match is against Fulham. West Ham, still without a win in six games, will visit Brighton hoping to end their poor run.