Nigerians in Action Around Europe This Week

As midweek football returns across Europe, several Nigerian stars are set for action in league, cup and European competitions. We have midweek Premier League clashes in England, as well as domestic cup action around Europe, and this week offers another chance for Super Eagles players to shine on the continental stage.

Here is a full look at the key fixtures involving Nigerian talent between now and Thursday.

Maduka Okoye – Juventus vs Udinese (Coppa Italia)
Tues 2 Dec – 21:00

Maduka Okoye is expected to start in goal as Udinese travel to Turin for a difficult Coppa Italia test against Juventus. While Juve enter at this last-16 stage, Udinese have already battled past Carrarese and Palermo to get here, and arrive boosted by a rare clean sheet and weekend win over Parma. Ending a 240-minute goal drought has lifted the mood around Kosta Runjaic’s side, but history is against them: Udinese have scored just twice in their last eight meetings with Juventus, losing seven. Okoye will need another top performance if the Friulians are to cause an upset.

Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi & Samuel Chukwueze – Fulham vs Man City (Premier League)
Tues 2 Dec – 20:30

After an impressive 2–1 win away at Tottenham, Fulham return to Craven Cottage looking to test themselves against Manchester City. Marco Silva’s side have shown flashes of quality this season but remain inconsistent, with three wins in their last eight league outings. Still, they have been strong at home, collecting four wins and suffering just one defeat. Bassey and Iwobi remain central figures in Silva’s system, while Chukwueze continues to push for minutes. With Fulham winning four of their last five in all competitions, confidence is quietly building – but City will be a huge test.

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Nathan Tella – Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen (DFB-Pokal)
Tues 2 Dec – 21:00

Just three days after their Bundesliga meeting, Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen clash again in the DFB-Pokal. Nathan Tella recently returned from injury and came off the bench in the league match; a similar role is expected here. Before losing to Dortmund at the weekend, Leverkusen had won four games in a row with an aggregate score of 12–1. Kasper Hjulmand has guided the side well after replacing Erik ten Hag, and with memories of their recent DFB-Pokal success still fresh, Leverkusen will look to bounce back. Tella’s pace and directness could be a crucial weapon from the bench.

Bruno Onyemaechi – Olympiacos vs Ellas Syros (Greek Cup)
Weds 3 Dec – 12:30

Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to start as Olympiacos host lower-league side Ellas Syros in what should be a straightforward Greek Cup tie. Rotation is likely, giving the Nigerian defender valuable minutes as he looks to cement his place in the squad.

Frank Onyeka – Brentford vs Arsenal (Premier League)
Weds 3 Dec – 20:30

Frank Onyeka is not expected to start for Brentford against Arsenal, but the midfielder remains an energetic option off the bench. Arsenal arrive unbeaten in 17 matches and top of the table, making this a tough assignment for the Bees.

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Christantus Uche – Crystal Palace vs Burnley (Premier League)
Weds 3 Dec – 20:30

Uche featured late off the bench in Palace’s defeat to Manchester United at the weekend and is still searching for rhythm in England. A start is unlikely, but minutes remain possible as Oliver Glasner continues to assess his squad depth.

Tolu Arokodare – Wolves vs Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
Weds 3 Dec – 20:30

The tall striker came off the bench against Aston Villa last weekend and could feature again for Wolves. He is yet to make his mark in England, but cup rotation and fixture congestion may open more opportunities.

Ademola Lookman – Atalanta vs Genoa (Coppa Italia)
Weds 3 Dec – 15:00

Ademola Lookman is finally rediscovering his best form after a difficult start to the season. With a goal and assist against Frankfurt in the Champions League and another goal versus Fiorentina at the weekend, the forward is full of confidence again. Atalanta face Genoa in the Coppa Italia, and Lookman is expected to play a key role as new coach Raffaele Palladino looks to maintain momentum.

Cyriel Dessers – Panathinaikos vs Kifisia (Greek Cup)
Weds 3 Dec – 18:30

Cyriel Dessers has returned from the injury that kept him out since late September and made his comeback against AEK Athens. A Greek Cup match versus lower-league Kifisia could be the perfect platform for him to start and rebuild match sharpness.

Zaidu Sanusi – Porto vs Vitoria (Portuguese League Cup)
Thurs 4 Dec – 21:15

Zaidu Sanusi is expected to start as Porto face Vitoria Guimarães in a decisive Taça da Liga clash. Porto are in superb form, winning 16 of their last 19 matches across all competitions under Francesco Farioli. The competition has historically been difficult for Porto, having won it only once, so this fixture carries real importance. A strong home record at the Dragão gives them confidence, and Zaidu will be pushing to deliver another solid defensive display.

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Chidera Ejuke & Akor Adams – Sevilla vs Extremadura (Copa del Rey)
Weds 3 Dec – 21:00

Ejuke and Akor Adams both featured in Sevilla’s derby defeat to Real Betis at the weekend and previously started their Copa del Rey win over fifth-tier Toledo. With fourth-tier Extremadura up next, both Nigerians could be in line to start again as Sevilla aim to avoid a giant-killing and progress comfortably.

Bet on all the midweek action from around Europe and beyond at Bet9ja! 

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