Nigerians in the Champions League: Tella’s Leverkusen beat Pep’s City; no Osimhen, no Gala party

A number of Nigerians were in action while others watched from the sidelines as the UEFA Champions League entered its matchday five on Tuesday, November 25, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Nathan Tella featured late as Bayer Leverkusen produced one of the biggest results of the Champions League season, beating Manchester City 2–0 at the Etihad Stadium.

The Super Eagles winger, only recently back from a lengthy injury layoff, came on for the final eight minutes as the Germans delivered a performance of sharp discipline and ruthless counter-attacking.

While Tella’s involvement was brief, Leverkusen’s work had long been done.

The former Bundesliga winners stunned City early. Captain Álex Grimaldo rifled home a brilliant opener in the 23rd minute, silencing the home crowd and unsettling Pep Guardiola’s side. Ten minutes into the second half, Patrik Schick rose highest to power in a superb header, sealing a memorable away victory and leaving City with questions about their rhythm at this stage of the campaign.

Osimhen missing as Galatasaray falter vs Akinpelu's USG

Galatasaray sorely missed Victor Osimhen as the Turkish champions slipped to a 1–0 defeat against Union Saint-Gilloise at the RAMS Park.

The Nigerian striker, ruled out because of a thigh injury, had scored six goals in his three previous Champions League matches and was central to Gala’s three straight victories.

Without him, their attack lacked spark despite the presence of Mauro Icardi. The breakthrough instead came from a player of Nigerian descent, Promise David Akinpelu, who struck in the 37th minute to secure the Belgian side’s victory.

Akinpelu, who represented Nigeria’s U23s in 2022 but now plays senior international football for Canada, has now scored twice in this season’s competition.

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Chukwuemeka appears in Dortmund rout

At the Signal Iduna Park, Carney Chukwuemeka came off the bench as Borussia Dortmund dismantled Villarreal 4–0.

By the time the midfielder was introduced in the 68th minute, Dortmund were already cruising, thanks to Serhou Guirassy’s brace and a well-taken effort from Germany international Karim Adeyemi, who is of Nigerian descent.

Daniel Svensson added a late fourth as Dortmund, who even missed two second-half penalties, showed their attacking breadth.

Chukwuemeka, still eligible for Nigeria despite being an England youth international, shared the pitch with other players of Nigerian heritage: Adeyemi and Felix Nmecha for Dortmund, and Canadian-Nigerian forward Tani Oluwaseyi, who played all 90 minutes for Villarreal.

Chelsea outclass Barcelona; Ogbu returns for Slavia Prague

Chelsea strolled to a convincing 3–0 win over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Estevao, Liam Delap and an own goal from Jules Kounde.

Super Eagles target Tosin Adarabioyo was an unused substitute, while 19-year-old Tyrique George – eligible for Nigeria, Ghana and England – featured late on.

In Prague, Slavia were held to a goalless draw by Athletic Bilbao. Nigeria international defender Igoh Ogbu, returning from injury, remained on the bench throughout for Slavia.

Ogbu's club teammate David Moses played all 90 minutes in another impressive outing that continues to draw the attention of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle.

Nigerians in the UCL: Ilenikhena, Lookman, Ahanor set for Wednesday tests

Wednesday offers more Nigerian involvement.

George Ilenikhena’s Monaco travel to face Pafos FC, while Ademola Lookman is expected to lead Atalanta’s attack against Eintracht Frankfurt, with youngster Honest Ahanor likely to start in defence.

Defender Bruno Onyemaechi and Olympiacos welcome European giants Real Madrid to Piraeus, while Sporting CP host Club Brugge, who will rely on Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika in a clash between two attack-minded sides.