The UEFA Champions League and Europa League return this week with Nigerian players once again at the heart of the action. While the likes of Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) are sidelined through injury, fans could see the nation’s biggest stars make key returns on Europe’s grandest stage. Here’s a rundown of the Nigerians to watch in Matchday 2.
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta v Club Brugge – Tues 30 Sept, 17:45
Ademola Lookman’s future at Atalanta looked uncertain after a failed transfer push to Inter, with the forward left out of the opening three Serie A matchday squads. But Ivan Juri? has since reintegrated him, and the Nigerian winger could make his first Champions League start of the season against Club Brugge.
Lookman played just four minutes in the 3-0 win over Torino before sitting out the draw with Juventus, but his coach hinted at a recall on Tuesday. With Atalanta still reeling from their 4-0 defeat to PSG in their group opener, Lookman’s return could be vital in ending La Dea’s three-game losing streak in the competition.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray v Liverpool – Tues 30 Sept, 20:00
All eyes will be on Istanbul as Galatasaray prepare to host Liverpool — and whether Victor Osimhen is risked from the start. The striker has only just returned from an ankle injury, featuring for 10 minutes in Gala’s 1-0 win over Alanyaspor on Friday.
Manager Okan Buruk admitted he brought Osimhen on specifically to test his fitness ahead of the Liverpool clash, even though “he’s not 100%.” The Nigerian has yet to hit his stride in Turkey since his blockbuster summer move, but if he does feature, his firepower could be the difference in a tie that evokes memories of Liverpool’s historic 2005 triumph in Istanbul.
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David Moses – Inter Milan v Slavia Prague – Tues 30 Sept, 20:00
While Igoh Ogbu is sidelined with injury, 21-year-old David Moses could feature for Slavia Prague as they face Inter Milan at San Siro. Moses has been limited to the bench this season but remains a live option for coach Jind?ich Trpišovský. With Slavia missing their defensive leader, opportunities may arise for the youngster to make an impact under the lights in Milan.
Nathan Tella – Bayer Leverkusen v PSV – Weds 1 Oct, 20:00
After missing Leverkusen’s weekend win with a knee knock, Nathan Tella faces a race against time to return against PSV. The winger has impressed under Kasper Hjulmand but could be restricted to a substitute role if passed fit.
Leverkusen’s campaign began with a point against Copenhagen, and they’ll need attacking spark against a PSV side licking their wounds from a shock 3-1 defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise. If involved, Tella’s pace and direct running could be crucial.
Kelechi Iheanacho – Celtic v Braga – Thurs 2 Oct, 17:45
Celtic drew 1-1 with Red Star Belgrade on matchday one and now host Braga in Glasgow. Brendan Rodgers’ side are under pressure to deliver after a Champions League playoff exit to Kairat Almaty.
Kelechi Iheanacho has been lively since arriving in Scotland, scoring a debut penalty and adding an assist in the League Cup. However, he looked off-colour in the weekend draw with Hibs, and may need to step up with the fans demanding a big European win.
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Cyriel Dessers – Panathinaikos v Go Ahead Eagles – Thurs 2 Oct, 17:45
Dessers has hit the ground running in Greece, scoring in each of his first two matches for Panathinaikos, including a derby clash with Olympiakos. He’ll be hoping to carry that form into Thursday’s Europa League tie against Dutch debutants Go Ahead Eagles.
The Greens opened with a stunning 4-1 win at Young Boys and are favourites to keep momentum going at home. Dessers’ physical presence and poaching instinct make him the obvious dangerman.
Terem Moffi – Nice v Fenerbahçe – Thurs 2 Oct, 20:00
Back from long-term injury, Terem Moffi is rediscovering his sharpness at Nice. He netted a penalty in the Europa League opener against Roma but couldn’t prevent a 2-1 defeat.
Nice now face a tough trip to Istanbul to face Fenerbahçe. With both sides desperate after opening defeats, Moffi’s finishing ability could prove decisive.
From Osimhen and Lookman in UCL to the Super Eagles in Europa League, Nigerian stars are set for pivotal roles across Europe this week. Back your predictions now with Bet9ja!
