Samuel Chuwkueze will be in Cote d'Ivoire with the Nigeria Super Eagles but could arrive late if AC Milan have their way.
Italian football giants AC Milan have confirmed that talks are underway to potentially delay Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze's arrival at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament in Cote d'Ivoire.
Chukwueze has been called up by Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro for the AFCON as Nigeria looks to end a 10-year wait to lift the title again.
Chukwueze at AFCON
The 24-year-old was one of 25 players shortlisted for the tournament after Peseiro confirmed his final list for the continental showpiece.
However, his Italian club, AC Milan, are keen to delay his arrival amid a busy schedule for the Rossoneri in the Serie A.
Coach of the side, Stefano Pioli, revealed recently that the club is in talks over the possibility of keeping Chukwueze and Algerian star, Ismael Bennacer beyond their expected departure dates.
"I know they (Milan and the respective Federations) are talking," Pioli stated after he was asked if both players will be available for their Coppa Italia clash against Cagliari on January 2 according to a report from Sempremilan.
Both Chukwueze and Bennacer were in action as Milan ended the year on a winning note following a narrow 1-0 win at home against Sassuolo.
The Nigerian forward was a second half substitute while his Algerian teammate featured for just over an hour.
It remains to be seen if rising star Chukwueze will be there from the beginning as AC Milan aim to strike a deal for a late arrival.
Nigeria will off their AFCON campaign on January 14th against Equatorial Guinea, with Samu expected to start that clash.
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