Nigerian forward Osarimen Ebagua has implied that Super Eagles player Samuel Chukwueze might not be at his peak form at AC Milan because of pressure, according to Soccernet.ng.
Chukwueze signed with AC Milan in 2023 following six years at Villarreal. Upon being signed, the Nigerian was anticipated to mirror the success of other Super Eagles talents like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, who have achieved significant milestones in Serie A.
Nonetheless, the 25-year-old attacker has struggled to provide consistent performances for the Rossoneri. Chukwueze has had limited playing time, with the majority of his minutes coming from the bench. He has scored six goals and provided four assists in 55 matches for AC Milan.
Owing to his difficulties, Chukwueze’s future has been uncertain, with rumors suggesting he might depart Milan due to interest from Real Betis and Arsenal. Nonetheless, nothing significant has arisen from those discussions so far.
Nigerian forward Ebagua, who has dedicated much of his life to playing in Italy, empathizes with Chukwueze’s circumstances. He thinks the Super Eagles player has yet to adapt to the demands of competing at a major club like Milan.
“The Milan jersey is quite heavy, and the San Siro lights are quite demanding,” Ebagua shared with the Milanisti channel.
“The player possesses talent, but there are instances in football when you can be in the correct position yet at an inopportune moment.”
“I recall that during my first match at the Meazza, I felt frightened after intercepting a ball from Sneijder.” I spun around and glanced so often that Lucio came to retrieve the ball from me.
“San Siro is a stadium that offers little leniency and allows very few mistakes.” At this time, Chukwueze likely cannot express himself optimally due to his unpreparedness for certain situations. At times, it might be stress.
AC Milan has appointed a new coach, as Sergio Conceição took over from Paulo Fonseca last month. Chukwueze will get another opportunity to impress the new coach. If he doesn’t perform well before the campaign concludes, the Super Eagles star might be sidelined at the season’s end.
