The 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League has provided captivating moments and tough competition, with the round of 16 completed during the week and teams in the quarterfinals already knowing their opponents.
Unfortunately, no Nigerian player has progressed to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, ending the question of who is next to join the category of Nigerian players who have won the prestigious club trophy.
However, we examine the performance of Nigerian players in the 2024/205 UEFA Champions League.
Victor Boniface
The Bayern Leverkusen strong and energetic forward, featured in four Champions League matches, scoring once against AC Milan. Bayer Leverkusen qualified directly for the round of 16, where they lost 5-0 on aggregate to Bayern Munich. Boniface did not feature in the first leg but played 25 minutes in the second leg.
Samuel Chukwueze
The AC Milan winger featured in seven Champions League matches, starting once and providing one assist. AC Milan qualified for the playoffs but lost 2-1 on aggregate to Feyenoord, ending their 2024/2025 Champions League campaign.
Raphael Onyedika
The midfielder for Club Brugge, started all 11 Champions League matches, scoring once against Manchester City in the group stages. Club Brugge finished second in the group stages and qualified directly for the playoffs, where they defeated Atalanta 5-3 on aggregate. However, they lost 6-1 on aggregate to Aston Villa in the round of 16.
Ademola Lookman
The reigning African Player of the Year, plays for Atalanta. Lookman featured in seven Champions League matches, scoring five goals and providing one assist. His goals came against Real Madrid, VfB Stuttgart, Club Brugge, AC Milan, and Sturm Graz. Atalanta finished ninth in the new Champions League format and faced Club Brugge in the playoffs, losing 5-2 on aggregate.
Victor Olatunji
The forward, plays for Sparta Prague. Olatunji featured in five matches, scoring two goals against Red Bull Salzburg and Brest. Sparta Prague finished 31st in the group stages, leading to their elimination from the Champions League.
Peter Olayinka
The forward plays for Red Star Belgrade, featured in three Champions League matches but registered no goals or assists. Red Star Belgrade finished 29th in the group stages, leading to their automatic exit from the Champions League.
Zachary Athekame, a right-back for Young Boys, featured in eight matches, starting five and coming on as a substitute in three. Young Boys finished bottom in the group stages, 36th overall.
George Ilenikhena
The 18-year-old striker, plays for AS Monaco. Ilenikhena featured in six Champions League matches, starting none but scoring two goals as a substitute. AS Monaco finished 17th in the group stages and played against Benfica in the playoffs, losing 4-3 on aggregate.
Elvis Isaac
He plays for Slovan Brastislava but did not feature in any Champions League matches for his club side. Slovan Brastislava finished 35th in the group stages, leading to their elimination from the UEFA Champions League.
