Super Eagles news: Samuel Chukwueze reveals what Amorim changed to revive his career

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has revealed how Ruben Amorim’s trust and regular playing time have helped revive his fortunes at AC Milan after a difficult spell at the Italian club, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria international returned to Milan this summer following a loan spell at Fulham, where he enjoyed a more productive campaign after struggling to be productive with the Rossoneri.

Chukwueze had managed only three goals and two assists in 26 Serie A appearances for Milan during the 2024/25 campaign before moving to England, where he scored three goals and registered four assists in 25 games for Fulham across all competitions.

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However, the 27-year-old has returned to Italy with a new opportunity under Amorim and has quickly become one of the Portuguese manager’s trusted options, albeit in a new role.

Chukwueze has started four of Milan’s five Serie A matches this season and has provided two assists, even winning the player-of-the-match award against Torino.

Samuel Chukwueze explains Amorim’s impact

Speaking in an interview with Footy-Africa while on international duty with Nigeria, Chukwueze identified confidence and playing time as the biggest differences under Ruben Amorim.

“I just have to keep doing my best for the team and repay the confidence the coach has in me by playing well and helping the team,” the 60-cap Super Eagles star said.

“Playing ninety minutes means he has confidence in me, and I have to keep showing the coach reasons to keep playing me.”

The ex-Villarreal winger also admitted that the situation at Milan feels very different from last season, lauding the Portuguese manager for his style.

“Every coach has his own style of play. Last season I wasn’t a regular, but this season has been different. The confidence is back, and I will hopefully keep showing what I can do.”

That renewed confidence has coincided with Amorim giving Chukwueze a different tactical responsibility. The Nigerian has been used as a wing-back this season, although there are switches from time to time.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport highlighted that Amorim adjusted Milan’s structure during their 3-0 victory over Lecce, moving Mario Gila into a right-back position during possession to provide additional cover and allow Chukwueze to focus more on attacking.

Amorim has given the Super Eagles star a fresh opportunity

The change is significant for a player whose Milan career appeared to be heading towards an uncertain future only a few months ago.

After his loan at Fulham ended, the winger returned to a Milan squad where his long-term position was unclear. Amorim, however, had already made it clear that he valued Chukwueze’s ability in one-on-one situations and tactical flexibility.

That faith has now translated into regular opportunities. Chukwueze has featured in all five of Milan’s Serie A games this season, starting four, and his two assists are tied for the club’s highest total in the league.

The Nigerian will now hope to maintain that momentum when he returns to Milan after Nigeria’s international engagements.