Matchday 5 arrives with Nigerians spread across Europe’s biggest nights once again – but this week’s headlines revolve around injuries, late fitness tests and players fighting to rediscover form.
Here’s how Nigeria’s finest shape up ahead of another decisive week in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray superstar Victor Osimhen is facing a race against time as the Turkish champions prepare for a crucial home clash with Union SG tonight at Rams Park.
Osimhen returned from Nigeria duty carrying a moderate strain in his left posterior thigh, picked up during the 2026 World Cup African play-off final against DR Congo – a match in which he was withdrawn at halftime to prevent further damage.
The club initially feared several weeks out, but Osimhen has pushed aggressively through treatment and is determined to continue his incredible Champions League run.
He is currently the top scorer in the Champions League – 6 goals in 3 games, including scoring the winner vs Liverpool and a brace vs Bodø/Glimt
Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk confirmed a late decision will be made:
“We will evaluate Osimhen today. We will make a final call before kick-off.”
GS TV have also stated the striker will be monitored until the final minutes. If he plays, he immediately becomes the man to watch in Matchday 5.
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Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman’s season has spluttered so far. After a summer of uncertainty, the Atalanta forward has scored only one goal this campaign, and La Dea themselves are struggling badly.
But in Europe, there has been a flicker of life. Atalanta come into Matchday 5 with two wins and a draw, having bounced back well from the 4–0 opening-day hammering by PSG.
Now they travel to Eintracht Frankfurt – a side rediscovering form and scoring freely. Atalanta’s new coach Raffaele Palladino needs a spark from somewhere, and Lookman could get the nod to lead the line, with Scamacca inconsistent and Samardzic often used from the bench.
Lookman has a history of showing up in big European nights. Atalanta need that version of him now more than ever.
Raphael Onyedika
Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika is set for another milestone night in Lisbon.
He currently sits 7th in the all-time Champions League appearance list for Nigerians, level with Osimhen, Finidi George and Samuel Chukwueze. Another appearance tonight takes him into 6th place outright.
Brugge face an enormous task away at Sporting CP – who have a 100% home record in the UCL this season and have won six of their last seven at the Estadio José Alvalade.
Brugge arrive inconsistent, injury-hit, and winless in three Champions League games. But Onyedika remains central to their midfield structure and will be relied upon heavily if they are to escape Lisbon with anything.
Igho Ogbu & David Moses
Slavia Prague sit 30th out of 36 teams in the league phase and desperately need their first Champions League win of the season when they host Athletic Club on Tuesday.
Nigerian defender Igho Ogbu recently returned from injury so is unlikely to start, but compatriot David Moses is in contention to start and remains one of Slavia’s few bright sparks
Slavia are unbeaten domestically and full of confidence at home, but their UCL form (two draws, two defeats) has been flat. Athletic arrive in equally poor shape after a 4–0 defeat to Barcelona.
This fixture may be low-profile, but it is enormous for both clubs’ European survival. Moses is expected to play a major role.
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Bruno Onyamaechi
After making his Champions League debut in the 6–1 loss to Barcelona, Bruno Onyemaechi now faces the small task of handling Real Madrid.
The Nigerian defender is unlikely to start, but Olympiacos will need every ounce of defensive depth they can muster. Real Madrid are chasing history – they have never beaten Olympiacos away from home.
Olympiacos, though poor in Europe this season, have been excellent domestically and are riding a five-game unbeaten streak. Onyemaechi will hope for another taste of elite European action.
Europa League
Kelechi Iheanacho
Celtic visit Feyenoord, but striker Kelechi Iheanacho remains unavailable.
He hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury in the last UEL match vs Sturm Graz, and there is still no confirmed return date.
Terem Moffi
Terem Moffi returned from injury before the international break, appearing against Metz and Marseille, and is expected to start on Thursday vs Porto.
However Nice’s Europa League campaign has been disastrous: four games, four defeats, sitting second-bottom.
Cyriel Dessers
Dessers remains sidelined with the ankle injury he sustained in September and will miss their match against Sturm Graz. A frustrating setback after a strong start to life in Greece.
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