With the completion of the draws for the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season, Nigeria’s Super Eagles talents have been adequately represented in the competition.
Victor Osimehen and his Napoli side have been drawn to face Spanish giants Real Madrid in Group C while Samuel Chukwueze who completed his move to AC Milan will also feature in this season’s CL in Group F.
The PUNCH spotlights Nigerian talents to keep an eye on. They are;
The 24-year-old elite striker who plays for Italy’s Napoli is one to watch in the Champions League this season. He has 17 goals in 25 caps for Nigeria. Osimhen is known for his pace, power, and finishing ability. He is currently the Nigerian with the most football market value currently at €120.00m.
The Napoli star scored his 100th career goal on last week Friday night during Napoli’s 2-0 win against Sassulo, becoming one of the five fastest players to achieve the feat. Scoring in just his 197th game, the Nigerian racked up his century faster than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Napoli has been drawn to face Real Madrid (ESP), Braga (POR) and Union Berlin (GER) in Group C.
Samuel Chukwueze
The 24-year-old winger who plays for Villarreal in Spain has been capped 28 times for Nigeria and scored 4 goals. Chukwueze is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and crossing ability. Chukwueze signed for AC Milan in a deal worth €20 million from Villarreal CF. The Nigerian forward has signed a contract up until 30 June 2028. He has kicked off his AC Milan career showing a lot of potential. Chukwueze’s Milan’s side will face Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Borussia Dortmund (GER), and Newcastle United (ENG) in Group F, a Group fans have tagged ‘Group of Death.’
The 26-year-old left-back plays for Porto in Portugal. He has 15 appearances for Nigeria. Known for his pace, athleticism, defending, and crossing ability, Sanusi is set to be an added advantage to Porto’s side. The Nigerian, in 115 appearances for Porto has 6 assists and 1 goal. Porto will face Barcelona (ESP), Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR), and Royal Antwerp (BEL) in Group H.
The 26-year-old striker who plays for La Liga club Real Sociedad, is known for his power, and finishing ability. He recorded a whopping 43 goals and 19 assists in 84 appearances for UD Almería before he joined his current side in 2022. Real Sociedad will face Benfica (POR), Inter Milan (ITA) and Salzburg (AUT) in Group D.
The 28-year-old midfielder plays for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. The Nigerian who joined Red Star Belgrade on July 1, 2023 already has 1 goal and 2 assists in 5 appearances for his new side. Olayinka is known for his passing ability, dribbling skills, and work rate. The Nigerian scored 50 goals and 26 assists in 183 for Slavia Prague before his transfer. Red Star Belgrade will play Manchester City (ENG), RB Leipzig (GER) and Young Boys (SUI) in Group G.
The 25-year-old winger plays for Royal Antwerp FC after a free transfer in July 2023 to the Belgium side. He scored 15 goals and 6 assists in 69 appearances for his former team before his transfer. Ejuke is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and crossing ability. Royal Antwerp FC will play Barcelona (ESP), Porto (POR), and Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) in Group H.
The 23-year-old midfielder plays for Royal Antwerp FC in Belgium with Nigerian teammate Ejuke. Yusuf is known for his passing ability, dribbling skills, and work rate. His side Royal Antwerp FC will play Barcelona (ESP), Porto (POR), and Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR) in Group H.
