The knockout rounds of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League get underway this week as 16 teams come together in high-stakes, two-legged playoff ties with a coveted place in the next stage up for grabs.
In this article, we will be shining the light on the Nigerian stars set to feature in this week’s Champions League action, highlighting the Super Eagles stars that will be hoping to help their side navigate into the next round.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (vs. Juventus)
Osimhen has scored six goals in six Champions League appearances for Galatasaray this season, and the Super Eagles superstar will be hoping to add to his tally and give his side the advantage going into the second leg.
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Honest Ahanor – Atalanta (vs. Borussia Dortmund)
Seventeen-year-old Ahanor made his first senior appearances in Serie A for Genoa last season, earning the move to Atalanta during the summer, and the defender has consistently featured this term despite his young age.
Ahanor has made six appearances in the Champions League, including three starts, and he will be hoping to feature and help Atalanta secure a first-leg lead when they take on Borussia Dortmund.
Gift Sunday – Bodo/Glimt (vs. Inter Milan)
Another promising youngster, 19-year-old Sunday only returned to Bodo/Glimt from a loan in December, and the forward will be hoping to feature for the Norwegian club for the first time since returning from that loan when they take on Inter Milan in the first leg.
Raphael Onyedika – Club Brugge (vs. Atletico Madrid)
Onyedika has been a key part of Club Brugge’s Champions League campaign to date, including featuring throughout their qualifying run to even reach the initial league phase back at the start of the season.
The Super Eagles midfielder is expected to start once again, and Onyedika will be looking to control the midfield and limit Atletico Madrid’s control of the game in their knockout playoff round meeting.
Vince Osuji – Club Brugge (vs. Atletico Madrid)
Onyedika’s Club Brugge teammate, Osuji has made very limited first team appearances for the club this season, and the 19-year-old defender will be hoping to make his Champions League debut in either the first or second leg against Atletico Madrid.
Ademola Lookman – Atletico Madrid (vs. Club Brugge)
Lookman made the move from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid for a reported £30.4m in January, and the attacker has already shown impressive signs in his first appearances for his new Spanish home.
Lookman has already scored two and assisted two in just four appearances, and the attacker will now be aiming to also make an impact in the Champions League when they take on Club Brugge.
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Bruno Onyemaechi – Olympiakos (vs. Bayer Leverkusen)
Onyemaechi has made only three Champions League appearances this term for Olympiakos, coming off the bench in each of those matches, and while the defender is likely to once again start from the substitute bench, Onyemaechi will be hoping to make an impact upon his arrival into their game against Bayer Leverkusen.
Nathan Tella – Bayer Leverkusen (vs. Olympiakos)
Tella made only two Champions League appearances during the league phase for Bayer Leverkusen, and with the forward unfortunately dealing with another injury set-back, Tella is not expected to feature against Olympiakos.
