Sixth Nigerian to make debut for AC Milan: Pioli defends decision not to start Chukwueze v Bologna

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has defended his decision not to start Samuel Chukwueze and Noah Okafor in his side's 2-0 win at Bologna in a Serie A match on Monday night.

Chukwueze became the sixth Nigeria-eligible player to debut for AC Milan's first team when he entered the game as a substitute in the 74th minute, after Aliyu Datti, Taribo West, Kingsley Umunegbu, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Taye Taiwo.

Pioli noted that Chukwueze was behind in preparations and that was the reason the winger was given only sixteen minutes against the Rossoblù.

The Nigeria international joined the seven-time European champions on July 27 - too late for him to make the traveling squad to the United States, where the Rossoneri faced Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona in high profile pre-season friendlies.  

Former Villarreal star Chukwueze started training with his new teammates two weeks before the start of the new Serie A season. 

"It is always exciting before the first game of the season, we’re curious to see what we can come up with," Pioli told DAZN, via Football Italia.

"We are playing those who are most ready, who have been working together since July. Chukwueze, Okafor and Musah only arrived two weeks ago, but I don’t think it will take them long to be at the same level as their teammates."

Chukwueze will be aiming to make his home and starting debuts for AC Milan in their next game against Torino on Saturday, August 26.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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