Chukwueze rejuvenated: Has Eric Chelle found the perfect role for the Milan outcast?

Super Eagles and AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, came off the back of a poor season with his club side, individually and collectively, but he like looks a different player under Eric Chelle, Soccernet.ng reports.

Many were surprised when the former Villareal man was called up by the Super Eagles coach for the 2025 Unity Cup, but he was a difference maker in both games as Nigeria claimed the title at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Chukwueze’s delivery against Ghana in the semi-final led to Nigeria’s second goal and his brilliant strike against Jamaica gave Nigeria the lead in the final, before he was withdrawn with seven minutes left on the clock.

Samuel Chukwueze seen during the Serie A football match between AC Milan and ACF Fiorentina at San Siro Stadium Milan. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
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Samuel Chukwueze looks on during the match between SSC Napoli and AC Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 30, 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].In the last two games, Chukwueze has accounted for 20% of the total goal contributions he’s amassed from 47 Super Eagles games, signifying a notable improvement.

What did Eric Chelle do?
Eric Chelle, in the 2025 Unity Cup, tried different formations in the two games the Super Eagles played in Brentford, but instead of fielding Chukwueze on the familiar right flank, the Malian tactician played the Milan winger down the middle in the number 10 role.

Samuel Chukwueze celebrates with Nathan Tella during the Unity Cup Final, London. [Photo Credit/ Imago].In that role, Chukwueze looked like his old self, and was unplayable, creating chances, and getting a goal for himself. The 26-year-old linked up brilliantly with the midfield and Cyriel Dessers and could be poised for a re-invented role under Eric Chelle.

While one could argue that the standards of the teams the 2015 FIFA U-17 winner shone against aren’t top-notch, his rejuvenation will be one to watch when the Serie A season kicks off in August, if he’ll still remain at the San Siro.

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria.

With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience.

He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.