2024/25 UEFA Europa League: 10 Nigerian stars to watch out for
As the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League season kicks off, several Nigerian footballers are set to showcase their talents on the European stage.
Here are ten Nigerian stars to keep an eye on this season:
VICTOR OSIMHEN (Galatasaray vs. PAOK Thessaloniki)
Without a doubt, Victor Osimhen stands out as Nigeria’s most prominent star in European club competitions. He is expected to deliver his best performance for Galatasaray tonight against the Greeks at RAMS Park in Istanbul.
Despite the lengthy summer transfer saga, the 25-year-old has quickly adapted at Galatasaray following his season-long loan from Napoli earlier this month. He has already provided two assists in as many Turkish Super Lig matches, both of which resulted in victories, including a notable 3-1 win against Fenerbahçe in the recent Istanbul derby, where he set up former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens with a brilliant chested assist for their second goal.
With his extensive experience in European football gained at Napoli, the Nigerian striker will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for opposing defenders.
IGOH OGBU (PFK Ludogorets vs. Slavia Prague)
Ogbu, a defender for Slavia Prague, is currently sidelined due to injury and will not participate in tonight’s match against Ludogorets at Huvepharma Arena in Razgrad.
The 24-year-old Nigerian, often overlooked, will be a significant loss for the visitors, as he has been in excellent form this season, starting all eight matches and contributing one assist in the Czech top flight.
Ogbu, who is in his third season with Slavia Prague after transferring from Lillestrøm, sustained his injury and was substituted 24 minutes into their 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen on Saturday.
He has extensive European football experience with Slavia Prague, Lillestrøm, and Rosenborg, and his presence will be valuable in the later stages of the competition once he recovers.
UMAR SADIQ (Nice vs. Real Sociedad)
Like Ogbu, Sadiq is also injured and will miss Real Sociedad’s upcoming match at Allianz Riviera against Nice.
The 27-year-old suffered a hamstring injury on Sunday, and his return date remains uncertain.
His time with the team has been significantly impacted by injuries since his €20 million transfer from Almeria in August 2022.
After missing the entire 2022/23 season due to an MCL knee injury, he recently faced another knee setback that kept him out for 12 days.
Despite these challenges, Sadiq has started in two of the three matches for the club this season.
CYRIEL DESSERS, LEON BALOGUN (Malmö FF vs Rangers)
Dessiers is anticipated to spearhead Rangers’ attack against Malmo at Eleda Stadion on Thursday night.
The 26-year-old striker has been in exceptional form for the Glasgow giants over the past two seasons, netting three goals in five matches so far in the new Scottish Premiership season.
While Dessiers is a guaranteed starter, his Nigerian teammate, Leon Balogun, remains on the periphery and may not see action against the formidable Malmö side.
Nonetheless, both players possess extensive experience in European football and could make a significant impact when called upon.
FISAYO DELE-BASHIRU (Dinamo Kiev vs. Lazio)
Dele-Bashiru has received notable support from Coach Marco Baroni since joining Lazio on loan from Hatay of Turkey in July, having started in two of his three Serie A appearances across their five matches.
The 23-year-old midfielder, who is regarded as a potential successor to Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, will aim to make his debut in the competition when Lazio takes on the Ukrainians tonight at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg for their first European match of the season.
His only prior European experience was with Manchester City in the UEFA Youth League. He and his teammates will be motivated by their impressive start to the season, having scored in 13 consecutive matches across all competitions and finding the net in every game since their Serie A clash with Roma in April.
BRIGHT OSAYI-SAMUEL (Fenerbahce vs. Union Saint-Gilloise)
The Nigeria defender will be in action for Fenerbahce when Jose Mourinho’s team host Union Saint-Gilloise at Ülker Stadium in Istanbul on Thursday night.
The 25-year-old has started two of his team’s fixtures in the new campaign and will be looking to stop their visitors’ bid to snap their run of poor form in the league phase of the series.
Osayi-Samuel was an integral part of Fenerbahce’s last UEFA Champions League campaign, an experience that should count this term.