Two Nigerian-descent stars, four UCL titles: David Alaba and Karim Adeyemi

David Alaba and Karim Adeyemi clashed on opposite sides in the UEFA Champions League final, where Real Madrid ultimately clinched the trophy

Karim Adeyemi and David Alaba represented their Nigerian heritage at the UEFA Champions League final held at Wembley Stadium in England yesterday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Second-half goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior secured Real Madrid’s remarkable 15th European title, defeating Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

Real Madrid’s dominance in European Cup finals continues, with their latest victory marking their ninth consecutive win and their sixth title in the past 11 seasons.

Despite this impressive record, luck played a role in their triumph as Dortmund, the underdogs, failed to capitalize on key opportunities in the first half.

Niclas Fuellkrug struck the post, and Germany-born Karim Adeyemi, of Nigerian heritage, missed a crucial one-on-one chance against Thibaut Courtois, leaving Dortmund to rue their missed chances.

Adeyemi and Alaba’s Love for Nigeria

Karim Adeyemi, born in Munich to a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother, has made his mark in German youth international football.

His footballing roots are influenced by both Munich and Ibadan, Nigeria, significantly shaping his connection with his Nigerian heritage.

“As I said, I think I have my roots here. My father is from here, and his heart is still here in Nigeria. Of course, my heart is also here in Nigeria,” he earlier told Soccernet.ng.

David Alaba, born in Vienna to George and Gina Alaba, has a sister named Rose May, who is a professional recording artist. His father, George, is a Yoruba prince from Ogere, Ogun State, Nigeria.

“Nigeria is my roots, my father is from there, and I hope I can visit Nigeria again soon,” he told Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba.

Both stars carried their Nigerian heritage to the final of the prestigious tournament, with Alaba’s Madrid defeating Adeyemi’s Dortmund 2-0.

Four UCL Trophies Between Adeyemi and Alaba

Alaba, previously a player for Bayern Munich, won two Champions League trophies with them before moving to the Spanish giants, where he now has two more Champions League trophies, making four in total under his belt.

Twenty-two-year-old Adeyemi has not yet won any major European tournament medals, except for the UEFA European U-21 Championship trophy with Germany in 2021.

Dortmund’s potential win against Madrid in England yesterday would have made a difference for the young lad, but his efforts to score for his club proved futile.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Osimhen: Napoli star drops transfer hint as Man United and Chelsea prepare €75 million bid

Napoli-owned forward Victor Osimhen has sparked transfer speculation with a new comment about his future,… Read More

12 hours ago

Ghana 0-0 Nigeria: CHAN Eagles grab first-leg advantage in Accra against Black Galaxies

Nigeria forced Ghana to a goalless draw in the first leg of the qualifying playoff… Read More

13 hours ago

What Hakimi’s mother said after her son lost the CAF POTY Award to Lookman

Achraf Hakimi's mother, Saida Mouh, has revealed her son has moved on from the disappointment… Read More

13 hours ago

“I see similarities with Leicester” – Ex-Barcelona striker backs Ola Aina’s Nott’m Forest to win EPL title

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has backed Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina's Nottingham… Read More

14 hours ago

Two Premier League clubs ready to meet Napoli’s €75m asking price for Victor Osimhen

Two English Premier League sides, Manchester United and Chelsea, are prepared to meet Napoli's €75m… Read More

15 hours ago

Tolu Arokodare surpasses Stephen Keshi’s mark in Belgium as Genk humble Anderlecht

Tolu Arokodare delivered a man-of-the-match performance to inspire KRC Genk to a convincing 2-0 win… Read More

15 hours ago