Europe’s biggest competitions return this week, and some of Nigeria’s finest talents are ready to take centre stage.
Here’s your complete guide to the Nigerian players in action in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League this week, and what to expect from them in their Round of 16 clashes.
? Tonight's #Bet9jaUCL Fixtures! ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) March 4, 2025
What a MASSIVE night ahead! ?
The latest odds available here ?
Tuesday
Carney Chukwuemeka – Dortmund vs Lille (Champions League) 21:00
Nigeria-eligible midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is a doubt for Dortmund after picking up a thigh problem during the weekend win over St. Pauli. Having just started to get minutes since his loan move from Chelsea, manager Niko Kovac is hoping the midfielder will be fit in time to face Lille and get his European campaign going in front of the Yellow Wall
Back Dortmund to make home advantage count against Lille? Book now!
Chuba Akpom – Lille vs Dortmund (Champions League) 21:00
Akpom started Lille’s last match against PSG but struggled to make an impact. With star striker Jonathan David expected to return to the starting XI, Akpom could be back on the bench for this one, but remains an option as Lille chase their best ever European finish.
Think Lille can upset Dortmund on their own turf? Get involved here!
Raphael Onyedika – CLUB BRUGGE vs Aston Villa (Champions League) 18:45
Raphael Onyedika has been a key figure in Club Brugge’s impressive European run, helping the Belgian champions pull off a shock by eliminating Atalanta in the playoffs to secure their spot in the Round of 16.
Back in training after being sidelined for Brugge’s last two matches – the Super Eagles midfielder could make his return for tonight’s first leg tie at home to Villa. Onyedika’s presence in midfield could be crucial as Brugge look to cause another upset and take an advantage to England for the second leg.
Raphael Onyedika had Pep Guardiola fearing for his UCL future ??? pic.twitter.com/vV12LA9lSE
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 30, 2025
Wednesday
Nathan Tella & Victor Boniface – BAYER LEVERKUSEN vs Bayern Munich (Champions League) 21:00
Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella remain vital to Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter finals, but face a massive test with an all-German clash against Bayern Munich.
Tella is enjoying an impressive run of form, opening the scoring in Leverkusen’s 4-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. Having knocked Bayern out of one competition already – scoring in December’s 1-0 DFB Pokal win over the Bavarian side – expect him to play a role in this heavyweight tie.
Nathan Tella scored the winner as Leverkusen knocked 10-man Bayern out of the German Cup! ???pic.twitter.com/KVGUchKmUn
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) December 4, 2024
For Boniface, things have been more difficult. Since returning from injury, the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of the Year has lost his starting spot amid fierce competition in attack. With Leverkusen’s forward line firing, the Super Eagles striker may need to make his mark off the bench.
Can Tella and Boniface help Leverkusen take down Bayern? Get your booking code here!
Thursday
Bright Osayi-Samuel – FENERBAHCE vs Rangers (Europa League) 18:45
Osayi-Samuel misses the first leg v Rangers due to suspension and injury, with the full-back ruled out until later in March after a thigh problem.
Backing Fenerbahce to make a statement in Istanbul? Place your bet now!
Leon Balogun & Cyriel Dessers – RANGERS vs Fenerbahce (Europa League) 18:45
Veteran defender Balogun – one of the few survivors from the Rangers squad that reached the Europa League final in 2022, is expected to start on the bench. Dessers, meanwhile, scored at the weekend against Motherwell and will be leading the line, hoping to find form and give Rangers an edge in Istanbul, a city where they have never tasted victory.
Can Rangers upset the odds in Istanbul? Book here!
Bruno Onyemaechi – Bodo/Glimt vs OLYMPIAKOS (Europa League) 21:00
Bruno Onyemaechi has made a strong start to life at Olympiakos since his January move and will need to be at his best in freezing conditions when they visit Bodo/Glimt in the Arctic Circle. The Norwegian side are strong at home, winning seven of their last eight European games. Olympiakos arrive in good form themselves, fresh from back-to-back victories over rivals AEK Athens.
Expecting Olympiakos to handle the cold in Norway? Get your code here!
Rafiu Durosinmi – VIKTORIA PLZEN vs Lazio (Europa League) 21:00
Rafiu Durosinmi will be hoping to help Viktoria Plzen continue their impressive home record in Europe on Thursday. With 13 clean sheets in their last 15 UEFA competition home matches, and impressive results against Real Sociedad and Eintracht Frankfurt in the group stage, Plzen are no pushovers. Durosinmi’s physical presence up front could be key as they aim to cause an upset against Lazio.
Can Plzen pull off a shock against Lazio? Get your booking code here!
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Viktoria Plzen vs LAZIO (Europa League) 21:00
For Lazio, there’s optimism that Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could return from an ankle injury just in time for the trip to Plzen. The Super Eagles midfielder has missed Lazio’s last two games but is pushing to be fit for Thursday’s first leg. If cleared to play, Dele-Bashiru will add energy and drive to a Lazio side that comes into the tie full of confidence after a dramatic win over AC Milan at the weekend.
Back Lazio to get the job done in Czechia? Book your bet here!
