UCL, UEL, and UECL Qualifiers: How Nigerian Players Fared

As qualifiers for the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League continue, several Nigerian stars featured prominently for their clubs across Europe. Some impressed with decisive contributions, while others endured mixed fortunes but gained valuable minutes.

1. Raphael Onyedika – Club Brugge

Despite ongoing transfer speculation, the Super Eagles midfielder delivered a commanding display in Brugge’s 5–0 rout of Rangers. Onyedika assisted Joaquin Seys for the fourth goal of the night, completed 96% of his passes, delivered five accurate long balls, and won three of five ground duels, capping a standout performance.

2. Rinsola Babajide – AS Roma Women

Making her European debut for Roma, the winger justified coach Luca Rossettini’s trust. In the 39th minute, she linked up with compatriot Shukurat Oladipo, sending in a precise cross for Marta Pandini’s opener. Babajide played 69 minutes before being replaced by Emilie Haavi.

3. Shukurat Oladipo – AS Roma Women

Anchoring Roma’s defence, Oladipo not only kept things tight at the back but also initiated the opener with a defence-splitting pass to Babajide. She played the full match, helping secure a clean sheet in the 1–0 win over FK Aktobe.

4. Uchenna Aririerisim – Sparta Prague

Although Sparta Prague fell to a narrow defeat against Riga in the Europa Conference League qualifiers, the Nigerian defender stood firm across 90 minutes, putting in a solid shift at the back.

5. Philip Otele – FC Basel

It was a frustrating night for Otele as Basel slumped to a 2–0 defeat to FC Kobenhavn. The winger completed 89% of his passes but managed only one successful dribble and a single accurate cross, reflecting a subdued outing.

6. Suliat Abideen – BB Fomget

Despite Fomget’s 2–1 loss to Slavia Praha, the Nigerian defender provided a bright spark, assisting Armisa Kuç’s consolation with a perfectly weighted cross.

7. Anam Imo & Halimatu Ayinde – Rosengard FC Women

The Super Falcons duo starred in Rosengard’s 4–0 demolition of Ljuboten. Imo netted a brace before making way in the 81st minute, while Ayinde impressed in midfield, lasting 74 minutes before being substituted.

8. Joy Omewa – Fortuna Hjørring Women

The exciting young forward endured a mixed outing against Hibernian. After missing an early penalty, she redeemed herself by scoring the 70th-minute equaliser. Fortuna later sealed victory through Nikolline Nielsen’s late winner.