It has been over a decade since John Mikel Obi lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Chelsea in 2012, and 30 years since Finidi George and Nwankwo Kanu’s triumph with Ajax in 1995. Since then, Nigerian football has waited for another champion on Europe’s biggest stage.
As the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League kicks off, six Super Eagles stars will attempt to end that 13-year drought.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
The spotlight shines on Victor Osimhen, who sealed a high-profile move to Galatasaray this summer. With 19 goals in 32 UEFA games, the 26-year-old striker faces a tough group featuring Liverpool, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Monaco, Eintracht Frankfurt, Union SG, and Bodø/Glimt.
Despite an ankle injury picked up on international duty, Osimhen is expected to be fit for Thursday’s opener against Frankfurt. His goals will be key to Galatasaray’s hopes.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
For Ademola Lookman, this season could define his career. Despite being listed in Atalanta’s UEFA squad, his fallout with coach Ivan Juric has cast doubt over his role.
Atalanta will face reigning champions PSG away before hosting Chelsea, alongside tricky fixtures against Club Brugge, Frankfurt, Marseille, Slavia Praha, Athletic Club, and Union SG. Lookman’s creativity could be decisive if he can resolve his off-pitch issues.
Raphael Onyedika & Chinonso Osuji (Club Brugge)
Belgian champions Club Brugge have two Nigerian representatives — Raphael Onyedika and Chinonso Osuji.
Brugge begin against Monaco before taking on Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Marseille, Atalanta, Sporting CP, and Kairat Almaty.
Onyedika’s midfield presence remains vital, while Osuji, signed from Kalmar in January, adds squad depth as Brugge seek another strong European run.
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)
Nathan Tella faces his biggest stage yet with Bayer Leverkusen. Drawn against PSG, Manchester City, Villarreal, Benfica, Olympiacos, PSV Eindhoven, Newcastle, and Copenhagen, Tella’s speed and versatility could prove invaluable.
He will look to build on his first-ever UCL goal last season.
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos)
Bruno Onyemaechi returns to the Champions League with Olympiacos after a four-year absence. The Greek giants face Real Madrid, Barcelona, Leverkusen, Arsenal, PSV, Ajax, Pafos, and Kairat Almaty.
The 26-year-old left-back has been solid since joining from Boavista, helping Olympiacos to a perfect domestic start. Now, he gets the chance to test himself against Europe’s elite.
Can the Drought End?
With the group stage underway, Nigerians are hopeful that one of these six stars will replicate the feats of Mikel, Finidi, and Kanu. While analysts believe the odds are slim, the unpredictability of football keeps the dream alive — and this could be the season Nigeria finally celebrates another Champions League hero.
