“Right place at the wrong time”- Ex-Torino striker on why Samuel Chukwueze has struggled at AC Milan

Nigerian striker Osarimen Ebagua has suggested that Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze may not be performing at his best at AC Milan due to pressure, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze joined AC Milan in 2023 after six years at Villareal. When the Nigerian was signed, he was expected to emulate other Super Eagles players like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen who have done big things in the Serie A.

However, the 25-year-old forward has failed to deliver the goods consistently for the Rossoneri. Chukwueze has not seen much playing time, as most of his minutes have been off the each. In total, he has registered six goals and four assists in 55 appearances for AC Milan.

Due to his struggles, Chukwueze’s future has been in the balance, as they have been speculations that he could leave Milan amid interest from Real Betis and Arsenal. However, nothing serious has emerged from those talks yet.

Nigerian striker Ebagua, who has spent most of his life playing in Italy, understands Chukwueze’s situation. He believes the Super Eagles star has still not adjusted to the pressure of playing at a big club like Milan.

“The Milan shirt is heavy and the lights of the San Siro weight a lot,” Ebagua told Milanisti channel.

“The player has quality, but there are moments in football when you may end up in the right place but at the wrong time.

“I remember that in my debut at the Meazza, I was scared after recovering a ball from Sneijder. I turned and looked around so much that Lucio came to collect the ball from me.

“San Siro is a stadium that is not forgiving and leaves very little margin for error. Probably at this moment, Chukwueze is not able to expresse himself at his best because he is not ready to play in certain contexts. Sometimes, it could be pressure.

AC Milan have a new coach, with Sergio Conceição replacing Paulo Fonseca last month. Chukwueze will have a new shot at impressing the new coach. If he fails to do well before the campaign ends, the Super Eagles star may be pushed out at the end of the season.