The opening league-phase matches of the UEFA Champions League, which get off later today, September 17, will include seven Nigerian players.
It should be noted that starting in the 2024–2025 season, the UEFA Champions League will follow a new format in which 36 clubs will compete in a league phase as opposed to groups. There will be strong representation from Nigerian athletes in this historic competition.
Let’s look at a few of the Nigerian players that will participate in the UEFA Champions League in 2024–2025 and their next games.
Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface
Two Nigerian players who could do well for Bayer Leverkusen this season in the UEFA Champions League are Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella.
On Thursday, September 19, at 5:45 p.m., they will play their first winners League encounter against Feyenoord, the defending German Bundesliga winners.
Ademola Lookman
The star of the UEFA Europa League from the previous season, Ademola Lookman, will represent Atalanta against Arsenal in the Champions League on Thursday, September 19, starting at 8 p.m.
Lookman, who has only made one Champions League appearance, will be looking to score his first goal in the competition to continue being one of the most important Nigerian players in Europe right now.
Chukwueze Samuel
One Nigerian player that is anticipated to excel in the 2024–2025 UEFA Champions League is Samuel Chukwueze. Today, September 17, at 8 p.m., he and his AC Milan colleagues will play Liverpool in the league phase opener.
Chukwueze has played in 13 Champions League games and netted four goals. His objective is to score his third straight goal and his fifth overall in the competition.
Michael Onyedika
Another Nigerian player participating in the UEFA Champions League this season is Raphael Onyedika. He is an important member of Club Brugge.
Onyedika will play in his seventh UCL match on Wednesday, September 18, at 8 p.m. against Borussia Dortmund. Take note of the fact that he plays defensive midfield for his team.
Olayinka Peter
On Thursday, September 19, at 5:45 p.m., Red Star Belgrade will face Benfica in an attempt to score Peter Olayinka’s first Champions League goal. In the tournament, he has made 11 appearances for UCL.
Athekame Zachary
Another Nigerian player anticipated to have a great season for his team in the Champions League is Zachary Athekame. The 19-year-old right-back, a rising star at Young Boys in Switzerland, was born in Switzerland to Nigerian parents.
He is anticipated to play later today, September 17, at 5:45 p.m. when Young Boys plays Aston Villa.
