Just three days after signing his new contract with AC Milan, Nigerian midfielder Victor Ehuwa Eletu (2005) made his first-team debut in the Rossoneri’s international friendly against Leeds United at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
The match, part of Milan’s pre-season preparations following their Asia-Pacific tour, gave coach Massimiliano Allegri the chance to rotate his squad and hand opportunities to promising youngsters. Among them was Victor Eletu, who came on from the bench to wear the famous red-and-black jersey at senior level for the very first time.
🌍 From Lagos to the Rossoneri
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Eletu joined AC Milan in 2022 and has steadily progressed through the youth ranks. After impressing with the U17s and Primavera, he made his professional debut with Milan Futuro in Serie C earlier this year. His consistency, tactical intelligence and composure in midfield earned him a contract extension until June 2027 (+ option), signed earlier this week.
⚽ Symbol of the Milan Futuro project
Eletu’s debut is also a milestone for Milan Futuro, the club’s development program aimed at bridging young talents into the senior squad. His rise symbolizes both the strength of Milan’s academy and the growing influence of African players in European football.
🎙️ The European Pitch insight
Eletu’s first steps with the senior side highlight the very essence of the #RoadToEurope: a young Nigerian talent leaving his homeland, earning his place in one of Europe’s most historic clubs, and now making his debut under the lights of a major European stadium.
At just 20 years old, Eletu’s story is only beginning – but his debut in Dublin confirms that the Rossoneri see him as a player with the potential to grow into a first-team contributor in the years ahead.
📊 Match Details
Friendly – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (Ireland)
Date: 9 August 2025
Final score: Leeds United – AC Milan (result not specified)
Debut: Victor Eletu (AC Milan) – First-team debut
👉 For The European Pitch, this moment is more than a stat: it’s a chapter in the journey of a young African talent chasing his dream in European football. A debut to remember, and perhaps the first of many in AC Milan’s midfield.