The curtain came down on the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage on Wednesday night, with all 36 teams playing simultaneously across Europe. Under the new format, only the top eight sides progressed straight to the round of 16, while teams finishing between ninth and 24th were sent into the knockout play-offs. Those outside the top 24 were eliminated.
For Nigerian fans, the focus now turns to the Super Eagles stars who are still involved as the competition moves into its knockout phase. While none secured automatic qualification, several Nigerian players will feature in the Champions League play-offs. Here is a look at the Nigerians still standing.
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Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
Victor Osimhen once again led the line for Galatasaray on a tense final matchday as the Turkish champions faced Manchester City. Needing a result to guarantee qualification, Galatasaray fell to a 2-0 defeat, despite Osimhen’s lively display and several efforts on goal.
Results elsewhere, however, worked in their favour, allowing Galatasaray to finish 20th in the standings. Osimhen will now be central to their hopes of navigating the play-offs and pushing deeper into the competition.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Ademola Lookman and Atalanta also move on despite a disappointing result on the final night. The Italian side were beaten 1-0 away to Royale Union SG, missing out on a potential push for automatic qualification.
With 13 points, Atalanta finished 15th overall, safely inside the play-off places. Lookman started the match before being withdrawn early in the second half and will be hoping to play a decisive role in the knockouts.
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos)
Bruno Onyemaechi remains in the Champions League after Olympiacos produced a vital away win against Ajax. The Greek side went into the final round outside the top 24 and knew only a victory would keep their campaign alive.
Onyemaechi was introduced late in the match as goals from Gelson Martins and Santiago Hezze sealed a crucial 2-0 win in Amsterdam. The result lifted Olympiacos into the play-off places and kept the Nigerian defender’s European journey going.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Raphael Onyedika played a full role as Club Brugge booked their place in the knockout play-offs with an impressive 3-0 win over Marseille. The Belgian side needed a strong performance on the final matchday and delivered in style, with Onyedika completing the full 90 minutes in midfield.
The Super Eagles midfielder has been a consistent presence throughout the group stage and will be key again as Brugge look to progress further.
George Ilenikhena (Monaco)
George Ilenikhena remains part of a Monaco squad that did just enough to secure qualification. A goalless draw at home to Juventus proved decisive, earning Monaco the point they needed to finish 21st in the table. Although Ilenikhena did not feature in the match, he stays in contention as Monaco prepare for the play-off round.
