With the UEFA Champions League set to take centre stage, this week sees Nigerian players in action for their prestigious teams.
Despite dubbed as the “Giants of Africa”, few of Nigeria’s players are starring at the elite level of European competition, UEFA Champions League.
Unarguably the biggest club soccer tournament in Europe, an opportunity to feature in the UEFA Champions league is one of the many wishes of every young growing footballer.
Nigeria will have just a few representatives at this season’s competition as lack of quality in the part of present crop of players have hindered their chances of featuring in top league sides across Europe.
However, some of the usual faces will fly the national colours in Europe’s elite club tournament this season.
Naij.com has compiled a list of players to expect at this year’s tournament.
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea)
A very familiar and a winner of UEFA diadem with Chelsea in 2012, Mikel will looking to fly the national colours in Europe’s elite club tournament.
The Super Eagles international who is in 10th season at Chelsea makes him the second longest serving player at the club after Captain John Terry.
In this vein, Mikel will be looking to carry his team on his shoulder when called upon. He is a competent midfield but is less of a creative influence.
NIgeria’s John Obi Mikel (left), celebrating his first EPL goal in 258 matches for Chelsea
Is there a place in the Chelsea midfield for Obi Mikel or will Ramires who has a more robust engine be preferred alongside Nemanja Matic to the Nigeria international in the holding position?
Victor Moses (Chelsea)
This could be Moses’ breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge.
The Super Eagles player has bagged the confidence of his coach, Jose Mourinho following some encouraging displays on Chelsea’s pre-season tours.
Victor Moses
He is however yet to feature this season for Chelsea but making an appearance in this champions league should be a booster for the winger to succeed at the club this season.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City)
Two appearances on the bench this season in the EPL has confirmed reports that Kelechi Iheanacho has official being promoted to Man City’s first team squad.
Whether, he will be given an opportunity to participate at this year’s UEFA champions league remains unknown but Man city’s coach Manuel Pellegrini believes in the abilities of this young lad and might give him a much needed opportunity to showcase his talent.
Kelechi Iheanacho, the Nigerian star, who has been tipped to shine for City his season
This is a player to look out for in the coming UEFA Champions league season, if given a call up.
Players On Stand By
Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio)
Onazi went from being a Lazio reserve player to a regular figure in Lazio’s 1st XI. His consistency in the team earned him a two-year contract extension with the Italian Serie A club Lazio until 2018.
Onazi is set to feature for Lazio as the Serie A giants are scheduled to face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night to book a UEFA Champions league ticket.
Ogenyi Onazi
The Super Eagles anchorman is expected to be in fine form to help their club as his team look to make it to the UEFA Champions’ League group stages for the first time in eight years.
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow)
Musa has only recently, began to realise his undoubted potential. It all came together last year when he began to perform consistently in the Russian league.
His double for his team against Sparta Prague in the third qualifying round earned his team one leg into the UEFA champions League with Germans Bayern Leverkusen the obstacle left.
Ahmed Musa plying his trade with CSKA moscow of Russia
He will be hoping to lead his team again this time to the UEFA Champions’ League group stages.
Meanwhile, here are Nigerians plying their trade in the top flight leagues in Europe who are prepared to do their African roots proud.
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