2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps

Bold Sports
9 Min Read

The 2024/25 UEFA Europa League kicks off today, with Nigerian footballers eager to make their mark in Europe’s second-tier club competition. Drawing inspiration from Ademola Lookman’s heroic performance in last season’s final—where his spectacular hat-trick secured the trophy for Atalanta—these players aim to replicate that success.

This season, Nigerian talents, whether proudly wearing the green and white of Nigeria or of Nigerian descent, will look to emulate Lookman’s achievements as they compete against some of the best clubs in Europe.

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Samuel Chukwueze

Historically, Nigerian players have made significant contributions to the Europa League, with several lifting the trophy and leaving lasting impressions on the competition.

Also read: Chidera Ejuke’s first-ever La Liga goal lifts Sevilla past Valladolid

In this article, Bold Sports takes a look at the Nigerian stars set to participate in the 2024/25 Europa League season, examining their potential to create their own moments of magic and continue the legacy of their illustrious predecessors.

Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray’s Nigerian goal machine

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Osimhen celebrates with Galatasaray teammates

Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen stands out as one of the most exciting strikers in this year’s Europa League. Known for his blistering pace, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing, Osimhen hopes to set Europe on fire with his goals after moving to Turkey on loan this summer from the Italian Serie A side of Napoli.

The 24-year-old’s combination of physical attributes and goal-scoring instincts makes him a constant threat to any defense. Osimhen’s experience in the Champions League with Napoli will be invaluable as he leads Galatasaray’s attack in the Europa League.

Galatasaray begin their Europa League campaign with an away fixture against Greek side PAOK FC, where Osimhen will be eager to make an immediate impact, especially after providing two assists.

Umar Sadiq: Real Sociedad’s Nigerian powerhouse

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Umar Sadiq

Real Sociedad’s Umar Sadiq brings a different dimension to the Nigerian presence in the Europa League. Known for his physical presence and goal-scoring ability, Sadiq can be crucial for Real Sociedad’s campaign. The 26-year-old has already proven himself in European competitions, having scored important goals for Roma in their Europa League run a few seasons ago.

Sadiq’s ability to hold up play and bring his teammates into the game, combined with his knack for finding the back of the net, can be a valuable asset for Real Sociedad. He is, however, yet to score this season, playing only a fringe role.

Real Sociedad kick off their Europa League journey away against Nice

Chuba Akpom: Ajax’s Nigerian goal machine

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Chuba Akpom

Ajax’s Chuba Akpom enters the Europa League on the back of an impressive goal-scoring run in the Eredivisie, scoring 11 times and providing three assists in 25 league games last season. The former Arsenal youth product scored another three goals in the 2023/24 Europa League and has started this season with a goal in three league games and three more in six Europa League qualifiers.

Ajax start their campaign with an away game against Turkish side Beşiktaş, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling European adventure for Akpom.

Nigerian presence at Rangers: Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Cyriel Dessers

Scottish giants Rangers boast two Nigerian internationals in their ranks: striker Cyriel Dessers and defender Leon Balogun. Dessers has previous European experience, having impressed for Feyenoord in their run to the Conference League final in 2022, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances. His goal-scoring prowess will be vital for Rangers’ ambitions in the competition, and he has already hit the ground running with seven goals from nine games in all competitions this season.

Balogun, a seasoned defender, brings stability and experience to the Rangers backline. His leadership and defensive acumen will be crucial as Rangers navigate through tough European nights.

Rangers begin their Europa League campaign at home against Swedish side Malmö FF.

Bright Osayi-Samuel: Fenerbahce’s versatile Nigerian

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Bright Osayi-Samuel

Fenerbahce’s Bright Osayi-Samuel has become an integral part of the Turkish side’s setup. His versatility, allowing him to play in defense or attack, makes him a valuable asset in the Europa League where tactical flexibility is often key. Osayi-Samuel’s pace and work rate will be crucial for Fenerbahce as they aim to make a deep run in the competition.

Fenerbahce kick off their Europa League journey with an away fixture against Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. Osayi-Samuel will, however, be missing from the squad due to a muscle injury.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: Lazio’s Nigerian midfield prospect

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images)

Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru represents an exciting young talent in this year’s Europa League. The 22-year-old midfielder, known for his energy and technical ability, will be looking to establish himself on the European stage after joining the Italian side from Turkish club Hatayspor in the summer.

Dele-Bashiru’s box-to-box playing style and eye for a pass make him a valuable asset in Lazio’s midfield. This Europa League campaign provides him with the perfect platform to showcase his talents.

Lazio begin their Europa League journey with an away fixture against Dynamo Kyiv.

Terem Moffi leads Nigerian debutants and rising stars

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Terem Moffi (Photo by Alexandre Dimou/FEP/Icon Sport)

The Europa League also welcomes several Nigerian players making their debut or looking to establish themselves on the European stage. Promise David (USG), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Praha), and Gift Sunday (Bodø/Glimt) are among the young talents hoping to use this platform to showcase their abilities.

Terem Moffi and Victor Orakpo at Nice, and Kevin Akpoguma at TSG Hoffenheim, represent other Nigerian talents expected to lay down a marker in this season’s Europa League.

The Nigerian legacy in the Europa League

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Taribo West and Nwankwo Kanu win Europa League with Inter Milan

Nigerian players have left an indelible mark on the Europa League over the years. Notable achievements include John Obi Mikel’s triumph with Chelsea in 2013 and Victor Moses’ crucial role in Chelsea’s 2019 victory, after earlier being part of the 2013 squad.

More recently, Ademola Lookman’s spectacular performance in the 2023/24 final, scoring a hat-trick to secure the trophy for Atalanta, has set a new benchmark for Nigerian excellence in the competition.

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Mikel Obi and Vitor Moses win the Europa League with Chelsea

Kanu Nwankwo won the competition when it was still known as the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan in 1998, three years after he and Finidi George won the Champions League with Ajax. Taribo West was also in that Inter title-winning side, playing in the final before seeing red in the 82nd minute. Chidi Odiah also won the UEFA Cup with CSKA Moscow in 2005.

2024/25 Europa League: Nigerian stars aim to follow Lookman’s footsteps
Samuel Chukwueze wins Europa League with Villarreal

As the 2024/25 Europa League season unfolds, this new generation of Nigerian talent will look to emulate these past successes. Whether it’s Osimhen’s goals for Galatasaray, Akpom’s contributions for Ajax, or the emergence of young stars at clubs across Europe, Nigerian footballers remain a significant force in the Europa League.

The stage is set for another exciting season of European football, and Nigeria’s stars are poised to shine brightly once again, carrying forward the torch lit by their predecessors and most recently held high by Ademola Lookman.

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