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European football returns this week – and several Super Eagles stars are in the spotlight across the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
After a strong international break where Nigeria sealed a World Cup play-off spot with a 4-0 win over Benin, attention turns back to club duty. For some of Nigeria’s biggest names, it’s a decisive week on the continental stage.
Here’s every Nigerian player to watch in Europe on Matchday 3.
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Bruno Onyemaechi – Olympiakos vs Barcelona (Tuesday, 5:45pm)
Super Eagles left-back Bruno Onyemaechi faces one of the toughest tests of his young career as Olympiakos travel to Barcelona.
Tasked with defending against Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, Onyemaechi’s defensive discipline will be key if the Greek champions are to keep their knockout hopes alive. Olympiakos are winless so far in Group Stage play, and Onyemaechi will be hoping to inspire a turnaround.
Nathan Tella – Bayer Leverkusen vs PSG (Tuesday 8pm)
After back-to-back draws in their opening Champions League games, Nathan Tella’s Leverkusen host defending champions PSG in a high-stakes clash.
Tella has impressed with his pace and creativity this season, already registering two assists in all competitions. Facing the European champions will be a test, but Leverkusen’s unbeaten home form in Europe gives them confidence.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray vs Bodø/Glimt (Wednesday, 5:45pm)
Fresh off his hat-trick for Nigeria against Benin, Victor Osimhen returns to Champions League duty with Galatasaray – and he’s in unstoppable form.
Osimhen already has three goals this season for the Turkish giants and was the hero in their 1-0 win over Liverpool on Matchday 2. A goal on Wednesday would see him extend his record as the first Nigerian player to score 10 goals in Champions League history.
Facing a Bodø/Glimt side that loves to attack, Osimhen will have plenty of space to exploit as Galatasaray look to cement their position in the top half of the table.
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta vs Slavia Prague (Wednesday 8pm)
The reigning African Footballer of the Year, is searching for form after a slow start to the season.
The Atalanta forward has yet to score in this year’s competition but will look to make his mark at home against Slavia Prague. Having netted 23 goals in all competitions last season, Lookman remains one of the continent’s most dangerous wide forwards – and Atalanta will need him firing again to push for the knockout stage.
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Raphael Onyedika – Bayern Munich vs Club Brugge (Wednesday)
Midfield powerhouse Raphael Onyedika will anchor the Club Brugge midfield at the Allianz Arena against a dominant Bayern Munich side.
Onyedika has started every match in the competition so far and scored in Brugge’s 4-1 win over Monaco on Matchday 1. He’ll need another huge performance to help his side contain Bayern’s attacking firepower.
Cyriel Dessers – Feyenoord vs Panathinaikos (Thursday 5:45pm)
It’s a reunion for Cyriel Dessers, who returns to De Kuip to face his former club Feyenoord.
Now with Panathinaikos, the Nigerian striker will be out to spoil his old side’s night as both teams chase crucial points. Feyenoord are unbeaten in Eredivisie but have struggled so far in Europe, losing both of their opening Europa League matches, while Panathinaikos started brightly but stumbled last time out. Dessers’ eye for goal could prove decisive in a tight contest.
Kelechi Iheanacho – Celtic vs Sturm Graz (Thursday 8:00pm)
After a difficult few weeks for Celtic, Kelechi Iheanacho will be relied upon again to deliver.
The Bhoys are winless in their first two Europa League games and were beaten by Dundee at the weekend, increasing pressure on Brendan Rodgers. Iheanacho has already scored three times this season and is expected to start again amid an injury crisis. Celtic’s fans will be looking to him to lift the atmosphere at Parkhead.
Terem Moffi – Celta Vigo vs Nice (Thursday 8:00pm)
Terem Moffi remains Nice’s biggest attacking threat as they visit Celta Vigo in search of their first Europa League points.
Moffi has three goals this season, including one against Roma, and his power and movement will be vital against a Celta side unbeaten at home in their last three European matches.
It’s another big week for Nigerian players across Europe. Bet on all the action in the Champions League and Europa League on Bet9ja!
