Excitement is in the air as the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) kicks off, and Nigerian stars in the 2024/25 UCL are set to make their mark. With the tournament expanding to 36 teams, this season promises more thrilling moments. Nigerian talents are among the players to watch as they represent their clubs and country on one of the world’s biggest football stages.
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
Samuel Chukwueze is one of the Nigerian stars in the 2024/25 UCL expected to shine. Now in his second season with AC Milan, Chukwueze is looking forward to adding more goals to his tally. After making a strong impact with Villarreal, including scoring in key Champions League matches, Chukwueze is poised for another great season. When Milan face Liverpool in the opening phase, all eyes will be on the Nigerian winger to deliver under the iconic San Siro lights.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge)
Raphael Onyedika will be a crucial part of Club Brugge’s efforts in the competition. The defensive midfielder, who came close to a move to Galatasaray over the summer, is now fully focused on leading Brugge in this revamped tournament. With his strong defensive abilities, Onyedika hopes to help Brugge overcome their tough opponents, starting with a match against Borussia Dortmund.
Victor Boniface & Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)
The dynamic duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella are two of the Nigerian stars in the 2024/25 UCL representing Bayer Leverkusen. Both players are eager to make their debut in this competition, following a highly successful domestic season. Leverkusen, having won the Bundesliga title, will rely on Boniface’s clinical finishing and Tella’s pace to make a statement as they face their first opponent, Feyenoord.
Peter Olayinka (Red Star Belgrade)
Peter Olayinka will once again represent Red Star Belgrade as they face Benfica. The Nigerian forward is no stranger to the Champions League, having featured in past editions with Slavia Prague. Although his scoring form in the UCL has been inconsistent, Olayinka is determined to rediscover his touch and help his team secure a positive start to the campaign.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Ademola Lookman is another exciting Nigerian star to watch. Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph last season and is now ready to take on the Champions League. His only previous appearance in the competition came during his time at RB Leipzig, but he’s aiming to make a bigger impact this season, starting with a match against Arsenal.
Zachary Athekame (Young Boys)
Zachary Athekame is a promising young Nigerian player set to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League. The 19-year-old right-back, who has already made a name for himself with Young Boys, is ready for the next challenge as his team takes on Aston Villa. With his impressive defensive capabilities, Athekame will be one to watch as the competition progresses.
This season’s Champions League presents an incredible opportunity for these seven Nigerian players to prove their talents. As the tournament unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly watching how these Nigerian stars in the 2024/25 UCL perform on football’s grandest stage.
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