Samuel Chukwueze, the dynamic Super Eagles winger, has etched his name into Nigerian football history by becoming the first player from the nation to secure major trophies in both Spain and Italy. While a hamstring injury sidelined him for AC Milan’s thrilling 3-2 Supercoppa Italiana victory over Inter Milan, his registration for the competition ensured he claimed a share of the prestigious trophy. This latest accolade complements his 2021 UEFA Europa League triumph with Villarreal, where he played an instrumental role, leading the tournament in assists and guiding the Spanish club to their first major trophy in nearly a century. Chukwueze’s achievement is a significant milestone in Nigerian football history, surpassing the achievements of many Nigerian football legends who, despite distinguished careers in Europe, never attained major honours in both of these prominent leagues.
Chukwueze’s journey to this historic feat began at the Diamond Academy in Umuahia, Nigeria, before his transfer to Villarreal in 2017. His time in Spain saw him blossom into one of Europe’s most electrifying wingers, attracting the attention of AC Milan, who secured his services for €20 million last summer. Unfortunately, the hamstring injury, sustained during a match against Roma, temporarily halted his progress. The injury, a lesion of the left femoral biceps, is expected to keep him out of action for approximately a month, a frustrating setback given his recent displays of creative brilliance.
The Supercoppa Italiana victory, secured by a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Tammy Abraham, marks a memorable start for new AC Milan coach Sergio Conceição, who claimed his first trophy at the helm. The win also denied Inter Milan a record fourth consecutive Supercoppa title. Milan’s comeback, with goals from Christian Pulisic, Theo Hernandez, and Abraham, showcased their resilience after falling behind 2-0 to goals from Inter’s Mehdi Taremi and Lautaro Martinez. While Chukwueze was forced to watch from the sidelines, his contribution to the team throughout the season ensured his inclusion in the celebratory ranks.
Chukwueze now joins the ranks of distinguished Nigerian players who have tasted success in Italian football, including Obafemi Martins, Joel Obi, and Obinna Nsofor, all of whom won the Supercoppa Italiana with Inter Milan. Martins, nicknamed “Obagoal,” had a particularly illustrious career, winning the Serie A title, two Coppa Italias, and the Supercoppa Italiana during his time with Inter. His success extended beyond Italy, with trophies in England, Russia, the United States, and China, showcasing his remarkable longevity and adaptability. Obi’s Supercoppa victory came during Inter’s historic treble-winning season in 2010, while Nsofor also contributed to Inter’s success, winning the Supercoppa in 2008 and the Serie A title in 2008/09 under Jose Mourinho.
While Chukwueze is the first Nigerian to achieve major trophy success in both Spain and Italy, other Nigerian players have made their mark in these leagues. Gbenga Okunowo remains the only Nigerian to win La Liga, achieving this feat with Barcelona in 1998/99. Nwankwo Kanu, another Nigerian legend, won the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan but never played in Spain, instead building a highly decorated career with Ajax in the Netherlands and Arsenal in England. Emmanuel Amunike, the 1994 African Footballer of the Year, won the Copa del Rey with Barcelona, adding to his collection of trophies from Egypt and Portugal.
More recently, Victor Osimhen led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years, claiming the Capocannoniere award as the league’s top scorer in the process. Ademola Lookman, another rising star, led Atalanta to their first European trophy with a hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, earning him the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year award, succeeding Osimhen who claimed the honour the previous year. Chukwueze’s achievement adds another chapter to the rich history of Nigerian success in European football, setting a new standard for aspiring Nigerian players. While his injury is a temporary setback, his future with AC Milan remains bright, with the potential for further success in both domestic and European competitions. His return is eagerly anticipated, and he is expected to play a crucial role in Milan’s pursuit of further glory.
