The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League kicks off today, and as always, Nigerian footballers are well-represented in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. These players, whether proudly wearing the green and white of Nigeria or of Nigerian descent, will be aiming to make an impact as they compete against the best clubs in Europe.
Historically, Nigerian players have made significant contributions to the Champions League, with a few even lifting the trophy.
In this article, Bold Sports takes a look at the Nigerian stars set to participate this season and reflect on the legacy of their predecessors in this illustrious competition.
Boniface, Tella, Onyeka: Nigerian trio at Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen boasts a trio of Nigerian players who are set to play key roles this season. Nathan Tella, Victor Boniface, and Francis Onyeka will all be eager to impress on the grand stage.
Boniface, in particular, has been a revelation in European competitions, having scored goals freely during his time at Union Saint-Gilloise before making the switch to Leverkusen. Following his move to Leverkusen, he was part of the squad that lost 3-0 to Atalanta in the final of last year’s Europa League – their only loss of the entire season in all competitions – scoring five goals and contributing one assist in eight Europa League games. The went on to win the German Bundesliga, and the German Cup, going unbeaten the entire domestic season. The 23-year-old has already picked up from where he left off last season, scoring three goals in four games.
Tella will be looking to cement his place in Leverkusen’s attack, while German U-18 star Onyeka will hope to add strength and versatility to their midfield if he gets a call up to be part of the senior squad.
Leverkusen start their Champions League journey away at Feyenoord on Thursday. Their other games are home against AC Milan, Inter Milan, RB Salzburg and Sparta Praha and away against Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Brest.
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Atalanta’s star man: Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman took Europe by storm last season, single-handedly winning the Europa League for Atalanta with his hat-trick in their 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the final. He has also been a key player for Atalanta in Serie A, helping them secure a top 4 finish at the end of the season and he will be pivotal in their Champions League campaign as well.
Known for his pace and ability to beat defenders, Lookman will be looking to add to his growing reputation on the European stage after his nomination as the only African for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Atalanta welcome Arsenal for their first group game on Thursday, with other home games against Real Madrid, Celtic and Sturm Graz. They will travel for away fixtures against Barcelona, Shakhtar Donesk, Young Boys and VfB Stuttgart.
Raphael Onyedika: Nigeria’s midfield maestro at Club Brugge
Belgium’s Club Brugge will feature Raphael Onyedika in their midfield as they take on some of Europe’s best. Onyedika, a rising star, has become a vital player for the Belgian side. His energy and tenacity will be needed as Brugge face the challenge of advancing beyond the group stage. After a standout season in the Jupiler Pro League, Onyedika will now have the chance to showcase his skills on the biggest stage in club football.
Brugge are drawn against Dortmund – who they play at home tomorrow (Wednesday), Manchester City (away), Juventus (home), AC Milan (away), Sporting Lisbon (home), Celtic (away), Aston Villa (home) and Sturm Graz (away).
Samuel Chukwueze: AC Milan’s Nigerian star
Samuel Chukwueze brings flair, speed, and technical brilliance to AC Milan, one of Europe’s most storied clubs. Having already made a name for himself with Villarreal, where he helped the Spanish side to an unforgettable Europa League triumph in 2021, Chukwueze now has the opportunity to shine in the iconic red and black of Milan. Milan, who have lifted the Champions League trophy seven times, will be counting on Chukwueze to provide the creative spark as they seek to add to their storied European history. With Milan rich on the flanks, Chukwueze will fight for a starting berth with Christian Pulisic and Noah Okafor.
Bryan Okoh: Nigerian young talent at RB Salzburg
17-time Austrian league champions RB Salzburg have in their ranks Bryan Okoh, a player of Nigerian descent who had played in every youth category for Switzerland. Salzburg has a reputation for nurturing young talents, and Okoh will be eager to seize their opportunity in the Champions League. The 21-year-old is yet to see action for Salzburg this term, failing to make the squad in their first two league games before sitting out the next two.
Salzburg face a relative hard group draw with their first game away at Sparta Praha tomorrow. They will then host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Atletico Madrid, GNK Dinamo and Brest, with away fixtures against Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Feyenoord.
Peter Olayinka at Red Star Belgrade
Serbian side Red Star Belgrade will look to Peter Olayinka to lead their charge in Europe. Olayinka, who has vast experience in European competitions, having previously played for Slavia Prague, brings a wealth of experience and attacking quality. Red Star, one of the most passionate clubs in European football, will hope Olayinka can provide the goals and leadership needed to succeed in this tough competition.
They file out against at home against Benfica on Thursday, with further fixtures at home against Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven and VfB Stuttgart, while they are on the road against Inter Milan, AC Milan, Young Boys and Monaco.
Nigerian debuts for Bratislava, Monaco, Sparta Praha, and Sturm Graz
This season also sees some fresh Nigerian faces making their Champions League debuts. Elvis Isaac will represent Bratislava, while 18-year-old forward George Osrzehmen Ilenikhena is part of the exciting young squad at Monaco. For Sparta Praha, Victor Olatunji will look to make his mark, while Emanuel Aiwu and Tochi Phil Chukwuani, both players of Nigerian descent, will feature for Sturm Graz. These players, full of potential, will be aiming to take their first steps toward European stardom.
The Nigerian legacy in the Champions League
Nigerian players have a proud history in the Champions League. Some of the nation’s finest talents have etched their names into the competition’s history books. Notably, Nwankwo Kanu and Finidi George became the first Nigerian players to win the Champions League, doing so with Ajax in 1995. Their triumph marked a historic moment for Nigerian football, as Ajax’s young squad took Europe by storm that season, while also making it to the final the next season, losing 4-2 via penalty shootout to Juventus.
Years later, John Obi Mikel joined this elite group, winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012 after an unforgettable night in Munich where the London side defeated Bayern Munich on penalties. Mikel was pivotal in Chelsea’s run to the title, playing a crucial role in the midfield.
While these past glories set the bar high, the current crop of Nigerian players in the Champions League will be hoping to create their own moments of magic in the 2024/25 season. Whether it’s Lookman leading Atalanta, Chukwueze dazzling for Milan, Boniface finding the back of the net for Leverkusen, or young talents like Ilenikhena and Isaac emerging onto the scene, Nigerian footballers continue to make their presence felt in Europe’s biggest club competition.
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