AC Milan, one of the most successful football clubs in Italy, is on the verge of adding another Nigerian player to their roster. Negotiations are currently underway with Villarreal to secure the services of Samuel Chukwueze, a talented winger. If the deal is finalized, Chukwueze will become the sixth Nigerian player to join the storied history of AC Milan.
Reports suggest that AC Milan has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Chukwueze, indicating the player’s willingness to play for the Italian giants. The focus now shifts to finalizing the deal with his current club, Villarreal.
Looking back at the Nigerians who have previously played for AC Milan, it is evident that their experiences varied in terms of success and impact. Aliyu Datti was the first Nigerian player to don the red and black jersey of AC Milan. However, his time at the club was short-lived, as he spent part of his three-year stint on loan at Calcio Monza. Datti played only three games for Milan without scoring a goal before departing for AC Siena in 2002.
Taribo West took a different path, joining Inter Milan in 1997 before making a sensational switch to AC Milan in December 1999. West became one of the few players to feature for both Milan clubs. Unfortunately, his time at AC Milan was brief, making just four appearances and scoring one goal before leaving for FC K’lautern in November 2001.
Kingsley Umunegbu, a product of Milan’s youth system, made his official debut in December 2007. However, his appearances for the club were limited, and he was loaned out to several teams, including Salernitana, Portogruaro, Varese, and Renate. Umunegbu never had the opportunity to play in a league game for Milan, although he briefly returned to fill in the second non-EU spot during the 2011-12 season.
Nnamdi Oduamadi’s journey to AC Milan began in 2008, but his official signing was delayed until January 2009 due to administrative reasons. Despite spending two seasons in the club’s youth system and being part of the under-20 side that won the Coppa Italia Primavera in 2010, Oduamadi had limited opportunities with the first team. He made only one appearance during his time at Milan, coming off the bench in a league game against Catania in September 2010. Oduamadi eventually left Milan in 2018, following loan spells at various clubs.
Taiye Taiwo, who arrived in Milan from Marseille in 2011, had a difficult time in Italy. After struggling to make an impact, he was loaned to QPR in January 2012, only to return to Milan a few months later. Another loan move, this time to Dynamo Kyiv, followed in July. Taiwo’s underwhelming stint in Italy ended when he joined Bursaspor in 2013, having played just four Serie A games in total.
As negotiations continue for Samuel Chukwueze’s potential arrival, AC Milan fans will hope that his time at the club will bring more success and lasting memories. With the club’s rich history and reputation, Chukwueze has the opportunity to make a significant impact and join the ranks of Nigerian players who have left their mark at AC Milan.
