As the UEFA Champions League kicks off for the 2024/25 season, excitement fills the air across Europe. This prestigious tournament, known for showcasing the best football clubs in the world, is set to feature more teams and a fresh format that promises thrilling matches and intense competition. ULTIMATEBLOG Sports highlights seven Nigerian players who are poised to shine in this season’s Champions League as they pursue glory with their respective clubs. This year marks a significant change in the competition’s structure, and these players are ready to make their mark.
A New Era for the UEFA Champions League
Until last season, the Champions League consisted of 32 teams divided into eight groups of four. The top two teams from each group would then advance to the knockout stages, leading to the thrilling climax of the tournament. However, the new 2024/25 season introduces a revamped format featuring 36 teams competing in a league phase instead of the traditional group stage. Each club will face eight different opponents in a home-and-away setup, adding more excitement and opportunities for teams to showcase their talents.
After the qualifiers and playoffs concluded, the reimagined UEFA Champions League is ready to begin, and among the players participating are seven Nigerians who are set to feature prominently in the league-phase matches. These athletes are not just representing their clubs; they are also representing Nigeria on the grand stage of European football.
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
One of the key Nigerian players to watch this season is Samuel Chukwueze, who plays for AC Milan. The talented forward is gearing up for his second season with the Rossoneri and is expected to make a significant impact in the Champions League. Chukwueze has already made four appearances this season and is eager to add to his tally in the prestigious tournament.
In his previous Champions League journey, Chukwueze made an impressive debut for Villarreal against Young Boys in 2021, scoring just a minute after coming on the pitch. Since then, he has appeared 13 times in the competition, netting four goals, including a memorable strike against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. In his last two games, he scored against both Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle, showcasing his growing confidence and form.
As AC Milan prepares to face Liverpool in the league-phase opener at the iconic San Siro, Chukwueze aims to continue his scoring streak. If given the chance, he will be looking to secure his fifth goal in the Champions League and maintain his momentum. The encounter with Liverpool promises to be a thrilling clash, and all eyes will be on Chukwueze as he aims to shine against one of the top clubs in Europe.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Another promising talent in this season’s Champions League is Raphael Onyedika, who plays for Club Brugge. Onyedika and his teammates will be welcoming last season’s runners-up, Borussia Dortmund, to the Jan Breydel Stadium. While Dortmund narrowly missed out on European glory last season, Brugge is eager to prove themselves in this new league format.
Onyedika, a key midfielder for Brugge, was close to joining Galatasaray in the summer, having agreed to a five-year contract. However, the transfer fell through due to disagreements between the clubs. With his future now on hold, Onyedika’s focus is solely on helping Club Brugge defend their title and perform well in the Champions League. He is set to make his eighth appearance in the tournament against Dortmund and will be crucial to Brugge’s midfield strategy.
Despite not yet scoring or assisting in the competition, Onyedika’s contributions as a defensive midfielder cannot be overlooked. His ability to disrupt the opponent’s play and protect the backline will be essential for Brugge’s success in their quest for Champions League glory.
Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)
The dynamic duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella will represent Bayer Leverkusen as they make their return to the UEFA Champions League. After a successful season in the Europa League where they finished as runners-up, Leverkusen is excited to take on Feyenoord in their opening match.
This season marks an important milestone for both Boniface and Tella, as they will be making their Champions League debuts. Leverkusen is keen to build on their historic achievements last season, where they claimed the Bundesliga title without losing a single match. Their victory was a significant milestone for the club, and they also lifted the DFB-Pokal trophy, solidifying their status as a top contender in German football.
As they prepare to face Feyenoord in Rotterdam, Boniface and Tella are eager to start strong in the Champions League. Their talent and determination will be vital for Leverkusen’s ambitions, and fans will be watching closely to see how they adapt to the challenges of Europe’s elite competition.
Peter Olayinka (Red Star Belgrade)
Peter Olayinka is another Nigerian player to keep an eye on in this year’s Champions League. The striker for Red Star Belgrade has made 11 appearances in the tournament and is looking to increase that tally when they host Benfica. Olayinka made an impressive debut in the Champions League back in 2019 against Inter Milan but has struggled to find the back of the net since then.
This season, Olayinka is determined to break his five-year goal drought in the Champions League. Red Star Belgrade’s home advantage could be a key factor as they face Benfica, and Olayinka will be crucial in leading the attack. After a disappointing campaign last season where they failed to win any of their home games, Olayinka aims to help his team start strong in the league phase and make a statement in front of their fans.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Ademola Lookman is another exciting player to watch this season, representing Atalanta in the Champions League. Known for his impressive performances in the UEFA Europa League last season, where he scored a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, Lookman is eager to leave his mark in the Champions League. Surprisingly, he has only made one appearance in the competition so far, but that will change when Atalanta faces Arsenal at the Gewiss Stadium.
Lookman’s only previous Champions League appearance came during his time with RB Leipzig in the 2019/20 season, where he played against FC Zenit Saint Petersburg. After being an unused substitute for the remaining matches, Lookman is determined to make an impact this time around. Coming off a strong performance in Serie A, where he scored and assisted in a thrilling 3-2 victory against Fiorentina, Lookman is in excellent form and hopes to continue his scoring streak in the Champions League.
Zachary Athekame (Young Boys)
Finally, we have Zachary Athekame, a rising star set to make his Champions League debut with Young Boys. At just 19 years old, Athekame has already made five appearances for his club this season, contributing one assist. Born in Switzerland to Nigerian parents, he is eager to showcase his talent on the European stage when Young Boys face Aston Villa at Wankdorfstadion.
Athekame’s youth and energy bring a fresh perspective to the team, and his ability to compete against seasoned professionals will be put to the test. As he steps onto the pitch for his first Champions League match, Athekame embodies the future of Nigerian football, and fans are excited to see how he performs in this prestigious competition.
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season is set to be a thrilling one, especially with these seven Nigerian players eager to make their mark. Each player brings unique skills and talents to their clubs, and they are determined to help their teams strive for Champions League glory. As the league phase begins, fans around the world will be watching closely to see how these stars perform on the grandest stage of European football. The excitement is palpable, and the journey to becoming champions has only just begun.