- Super Eagles stars Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella look to continue their strong start to the season for Bayer Leverkusen
- Samuel Chukwueze hopes to return to AC Milan's starting lineup for their clash against Liverpool
- Ademola Lookman looks to replicate his Europa League success for Atalanta in the Champions League against Arsenal on Thursday, September 19
The UEFA Champions League, renowned for its grand and electrifying atmosphere, is once again ready for an exciting new season. As the 2024/25 season starts today, September 17, changes to the format promise to shake things up.
For the first time, 36 clubs will be competing in the revamped league phase, a format that now broadens the competition and gives more teams a shot at glory. Among these hopeful contenders, Nigerian players are set to play important roles for their respective clubs on one of football's grandest stages.
With Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and a host of other talented Nigerians taking part in this year's competition, fans can expect moments of brilliance and bold performances.
Let's take a look at these eight Nigerian stars ready to leave their mark on European football's top-tier competition this season.
8 Nigerians set to shine in the Champions League this season
TheRadar has compiled below a list of Nigerians playing in the Champions League this season.
1. Victor Boniface
Having emerged as a key figure for Bayer Leverkusen last season, Victor Boniface is looking to make his mark in the Champions League.
After finishing runner-up in the 2023 Europa League, Boniface and his teammates now turn their attention to Europe's top competition.
Leverkusen, making their third appearance in the Champions League in eight seasons, will face a tricky opening fixture against Feyenoord.
Boniface, who scored a brace in Leverkusen’s recent league match against Hoffenheim, will be a focal point for the German side's attack. His impressive start to the Bundesliga season, coupled with his assist in the same game, makes him a player to watch.
2. Nathan Tella
Joining Boniface in Leverkusen’s exciting squad is Nathan Tella, another Nigerian making his Champions League debut. Tella, who joined from Southampton, has been steadily impressive for his side in the Bundesliga. His pace and creativity on the wing and sometimes the midfield have already made him an asset for Leverkusen, as seen in their recent clash against Hoffenheim, where he played a significant role before being substituted after nearly an hour.
Tella’s presence in the Champions League will add further depth to Leverkusen’s attacking options. Both Tella and Boniface will be determined to help their side secure a positive result in their opening fixture against Feyenoord, as the club returns to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2022.
3. Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze, a summer signing for AC Milan, has already become a fan favourite despite having yet to contribute directly to a goal. Known for his blistering pace and dribbles, Chukwueze is eager to make an impression in his first Champions League season with the Rossoneri. Milan, fresh off their first league win of the season, will face Liverpool in a heavyweight clash in the popular San Siro stadium.
Chukwueze came off the bench in Milan’s recent win against Venezia, but he’ll be hoping for a starting role against Arne Slot's side.
4. Victor Olatunji
A relatively unknown figure outside of the Czech Republic, Victor Olatunji has been a revelation for Sparta Prague. The Nigerian forward has already notched four goals in 13 appearances for the Czech champions this season, including two strikes in the Champions League qualifiers. Olatunji will be eager to continue his form as Sparta faces Austrian champions RB Salzburg in their first group-stage match.
Despite flying under the radar, Olatunji’s rise has been nothing short of impressive, and he’ll relish the opportunity to showcase his talents on the grandest of stages. A solid performance against Salzburg could propel both Olatunji into the spotlight, especially among Naija fans.
5. Raphael Onyedika
Raphael Onyedika has been a consistent performer for Club Brugge, a club eager to make a mark in the Champions League after missing out on last season’s tournament. Brugge will welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Jan Breydel Stadium in what promises to be a tough encounter for the Belgian side.
Onyedika, a defensive midfielder with an eye for a pass, will be crucial in containing Dortmund’s attacking threats. With Brugge unbeaten so far this season, Onyedika’s performances have been central to their success.
6. Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman is no stranger to European competition, having played a starring role in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph last season. Now, the Ballon d’Or nominee is set to take on a new challenge in the Champions League, where his side will face Arsenal in their group opener.
Lookman, who recently scored and assisted in their last Serie A action will be crucial to Atalanta’s hopes of upsetting the Gunners. His form has been electric, and he’ll be looking to carry that form into Europe’s elite competition.
7. Peter Olayinka
With 11 Champions League appearances already under his belt, Peter Olayinka is also not new to the Champions League. The Nigerian striker has a chance to add to his tally when Red Star Belgrade face Benfica in their group opener.
Olayinka, who scored on his UCL debut in 2019, has been in fine form this season, with two goals and an assist across all competitions.
After failing to score in the Champions League for five years, Olayinka will be eager to find the back of the net against the Portuguese giants and help Red Star make a strong start to their campaign.
8. Zachary Athekame
One of the rising stars of Swiss football, 19-year-old Zachary Athekame is set to make his Champions League debut for Young Boys. Born to Nigerian parents in Switzerland, the young right-back has already made five appearances this season and provided one assist. Athekame will be eager to test himself against Europe’s best as Young Boys prepare to face Aston Villa.
Although young and relatively inexperienced, Athekame’s talent is undeniable. This year’s Champions League could be the perfect platform for him to showcase his abilities and emerge as one of Nigeria’s next great footballing talents.
UEFA plans official honour for Cristiano Ronaldo as UCL all-time top scorer
Previously, TheRadar reported that Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League, is set to receive a prestigious honour from UEFA. The award, which UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin will present, recognises Ronaldo’s unparalleled achievements in Europe’s most prestigious club competition.
The former Sporting Clube de Portugal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward has scored an incredible 140 goals in the Champions League in 183 appearances.
