AC Milan hope they can negotiate with the NFF to release Samuel Chukwueze for the AFCON after the deadline of January 1, 2024.

It is the first case of club vs country as the AFCON will be played smack in the middle of the league season in Europe.

Milan have a cup tie in Italy against Cagliari on January 2 and therefore want to only release Chukwueze after that game.

The Italian club want to do same with Ismael Bennacer, who will feature for Algeria at the AFCON.

The Super Eagles will train in Dubai before they head out to Cote d’Ivoire for the AFCON, which begins January 13.