The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition where Europe’s elite teams compete in the quest to win the prestigious trophy. Nigerian players have been a vital part of the competition’s history, showcasing their talents while contributing to their team’s successes.
From iconic figure Nwankwo Kanu to legendary Chelsea midfield stalwart John Obi Mikel, here are the top 5 Nigerian footballers in the history of the UEFA Champions League.
Nwankwo Kanu
Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu ranks top of this list as the greatest Nigerian footballer in UCL history. ‘Papilo’ is one of the three Nigerians to have won the competition, with victory in the 1994/95 season with Ajax Amsterdam.
Kanu also finished runners-up in the 1995-96 season, with Ajax failing to defend their title against Juventus in the final. He also has the most appearances by a Nigerian in the competition (60), with spells across Ajax, Inter Milan and Arsenal.
John Obi Mikel
Just shy of the top spot, the former Super Eagles captain secures second place on this list. John Obi Mikel was an instrumental part of the Chelsea’s team that secured a first UCL trophy in 2012, defeating German side Bayern Munich on penalties.
The two-time English Premier League winner has the third most appearances by a Nigerian in the competition (59).
Finidi George
Finidi George was a very influential figure for Ajax Amsterdam in their 1994-95 UCL winning campaign, featuring predominantly on the right wing, and ranks as the third greatest Nigerian in the UEFA Champions League history. He started the 1-0 final win over AC Milan, as the Dutch side won a fourth title.
The former Nigerian National team head coach also featured in the 1995/96 final, although he ended up on the losing side to Juventus.
Obafemi Martins
Ex-Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins ranks fourth on this list although he never won the competition. He cemented his status as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe during his playing career with Italian side Inter Milan although he also enjoyed spells for Wolfsburg and Inter Milan.
Martins scored 10 goals in the competition, all during his time in Italy, which is the most by a Nigerian in the competition’s history, just one more than 2023 African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen. His 36 appearances in the UEFA Champions League is the third-most by a Nigerian footballer.
Celestine Babayaro
Legendary figure Celestine Babayaro, rounds up this list as number five on the greatest Nigerian players in the history of the UEFA Champions League.
At 16 years and 86 days, Babayaro became the youngest Nigerian to feature in the competition, playing for Belgian side Anderlecht against Steaua Bucuresti in 1994, before securing a high-profile switch to Chelsea. With 21 matches played, he is tied for 10th place among Nigerians with the most appearances in the competition.
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