UCL 2025/26: Super Eagles Official Handle Sends Message to Osimhen, Lookman, 4 Others
- The Nigeria Football Federation have sent a goodwill message to Super Eagles players featuring in this year's UEFA Champions League
- 36 teams will play at various centres between today (September 16) and Wednesday, September 17
- Four players played for the three-time AFCON winners during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, while the remaining two featured during the 2025 Unity Cup
The international break ended last Tuesday, September, with Nigeria playing a 1-1 draw against South Africa at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
The Super Eagles failed to fly as a result, putting the country in a situation capable of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria are sitting in third place with 11 points from eight matches in the 2026 CAF qualification group C, with the Bafana Bafana leading with 17 points.
Source: Getty Images
NFF send messages to Super Eagles players in UCL
The Nigerian Football Federation have identified with the Super Eagles players representing their various clubs in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
The viral tweet on X urged the current stars to emulate ex-internationals who have won the Champions League in their era. The tweet wrote:
"From Kanu to Finidi and Mikel to Obi, history reminds us that Nigerian stars have left their mark on Europe’s grandest stage.
"We wish our Super Eagles the very best in the 2025/26 #UCL campaign.
"Go make us proud!"
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria players in the UCL include:
1) Ademola Lookman
The reigning CAF Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has been dropped from the squad facing Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, September 17.
The former Fulham star has not featured for Atalanta this season following his transfer saga with La Dea's management. Coach Ivab Juric has made it clear that he wants the winger to fight for his shirt whenever he is ready.
2) Victor Osimhen
Osimhen sustained an injury during Nigeria's 1-0 win against Rwanda in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Galatasaray has yet to declare him ready for the UEFA Champions League match against Frankfurt. The fans are eager to watch the 2024/25 Turkish League's highest goal scorer lead the team to victory at home.
3) Nathan Tella
Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella always finds a way to win the head of every coach handling Bayern Leverkusen. After the sack of Erik ten Hag, the 26-year-old will seek to cement his place in the starting XI of the squad.
Leverkusen will take on Danish giants Copenhagen (away) on Wednesday, September 17.
4) Raphael Onyedika
Onyedika is ready to dominate the midfield during their encounter against French giants Monaco at home. Club Brugge were responsible for the ouster of 2023 Europa League winners Atalanta during last season's Champions League.
5) Igoh Ogbu
The defender broke into the limelight with his explosive performances during the Czech and UEFA Champions League last season.
Another opportunity presents itself this season as Slavia Prague takes on Bodo/Glimt on Wednesday, September 17.
6) Bruno Onyemaechi
Versatile left-back Bruno Onyemaechi returns to club action after the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 26-year-old will be available as Greek giants Olympiacos battle Pafos at home on Wednesday, September 17.
NFF clarifies report targeting Ekong and Dessers
Legit.ng earlier reported that the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation has dissociated himself from the viral match report, which singled out William Troost-Ekong and Cyriel Dessers.
The NFF published a match report, which blamed Troost-Ekong for his own goal and humiliated Dessers for his performance, and it sparked outrage in the media.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
