9 Nigerian Players to Watch as Europa League Stage Begins, Leverkusen, Sunderland Record Opening Wins
The 2026/27 UEFA Europa League has kicked off with nine Nigerian players listed among the competition’s league-phase squads, giving the Super Eagles a significant presence across Europe’s second-tier club competition.
The opening night on Wednesday delivered victories for Bayer Leverkusen, Sunderland, Benfica and Lyon, among others, while AC Milan suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica at San Siro.
With the league phase now underway, attention turns to the Nigerian contingent, featuring established internationals, emerging Super Eagles prospects and players looking to make their mark on the European stage.
UEFA confirmed that all 36 participating clubs submitted their league-phase squads ahead of the competition.
Nine Nigerians to Watch in the 2026/27 Europa League
- Samuel Chukwueze — AC Milan
Samuel Chukwueze enters the Europa League campaign as one of the most recognisable Nigerian names in the competition.
The versatile winger is registered with AC Milan and has already featured for the Italian giants this season. UEFA lists the 27-year-old among Milan’s Europa League forwards.
Chukwueze’s pace, direct running and ability to operate from wide positions make him an important attacking option for Milan.
His European campaign, however, began on the wrong foot as Milan were beaten 2-0 by Benfica at San Siro on Wednesday.
- Bruno Onyemaechi — Olympiacos
Bruno Onyemaechi provides another Nigerian presence in the defensive ranks.
The left-sided defender is registered by Olympiacos for the Europa League, with UEFA listing him among the Greek club’s defenders.
His athleticism and ability to contribute from the flank make him a player to monitor as Olympiacos navigate the league phase.
The Greek side opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Jagiellonia.
- Emmanuel Uchenna — Sparta Praha
Emmanuel Uchenna represents one of the emerging Nigerian names attracting attention in European football.
The defender is among the Nigerian players expected to feature in the Europa League campaign, although his immediate involvement has been affected by fitness concerns.
For the young Nigerian, the competition represents an opportunity to gain valuable European experience and strengthen his profile at senior international level.
- Wilfred Ndidi — Beşiktaş
Wilfred Ndidi brings considerable European experience to the Nigerian contingent.
The midfielder is officially registered with Beşiktaş for the 2026/27 Europa League campaign, according to UEFA’s squad listing.
Ndidi’s ball-winning ability, positional discipline and experience at the highest level will be important to Beşiktaş as they begin their European campaign.
The Turkish side’s opening league-phase fixture comes against Marseille on Thursday.
- Nathan Tella — Bayer Leverkusen
Nathan Tella is another Nigerian with Champions League experience now competing in the Europa League with Bayer Leverkusen.
The versatile attacker has been working his way back into Leverkusen’s plans after injury and has already scored during the new campaign.
Leverkusen began their Europa League campaign strongly on Wednesday, defeating Celje 2-0.
The German club, Europa League runners-up in 2023/24, will be expected to remain among the prominent teams in the competition, with Tella providing another attacking option.
- Bamidele Yusuf — Ferencváros
Bamidele Yusuf heads into the Europa League campaign with momentum.
The Nigerian forward is registered with Ferencváros and has already produced goals and assists for the Hungarian club this season. UEFA’s player profile lists him as a Nigerian forward and confirms his involvement with Ferencváros in the competition.
His pace, movement and ability to create opportunities could make him one of the Nigerian players to watch as the league phase progresses.
Ferencváros begin their campaign away to Celtic on Thursday.
- Salim Fago Lawal — Viktoria Plzeň
Salim Fago Lawal is another Nigerian forward with an opportunity to make an impression in Europe.
The 23-year-old is officially registered by Viktoria Plzeň for the Europa League. UEFA’s squad listing identifies him as a Nigerian forward.
Lawal will be looking to translate his European opportunity into goals and consistent performances as Plzeň begin their league-phase campaign.
- Tochukwu Nnadi — Marseille
Tochukwu Nnadi’s European campaign begins under a different set of circumstances.
The Marseille midfielder has been dealing with an injury and is therefore not expected to feature immediately.
His inclusion among the Nigerian contingent nonetheless highlights the growing number of Nigerian players securing places at major European clubs.
Marseille face Beşiktaş on Thursday in one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.
- David Akintola — Omonia
David Akintola completes the nine-man Nigerian list.
The forward joined Omonia Nicosia during the summer after leaving Hull City and is set for a new European chapter in Cyprus.
Omonia opened their Europa League campaign on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over Celta, although the available UEFA squad listing should be treated as the primary reference for competition registration.
Europa League Opening Night: Results at a Glance
Fixture| Result
Ararat-Armenia vs Sparta Praha| 1-4
Omonia vs Celta| 1-0
Milan vs Benfica| 0-2
Leverkusen vs Celje| 2-0
Hapoel Beer-Sheva vs GNK Dinamo| 0-0
Olympiacos vs Jagiellonia| 2-1
Anderlecht vs Lyon| 1-2
Sturm Graz vs Rennes| 0-0
Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar| 1-0
Sunderland Mark European Return With Victory
One of the night’s most significant stories came from England, where Sunderland celebrated their return to European football after a 53-year absence with a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar.
Enzo Le Fée struck the post in the first half before Sunderland eventually broke the deadlock after the interval, with Le Fée converting from the penalty spot.
The Black Cats survived late pressure to secure a memorable opening-night victory.
Leverkusen Begin With Confidence
Bayer Leverkusen also made a positive start, defeating Celje 2-0 at home.
The German club controlled the contest despite an impressive performance from Celje goalkeeper Žan-Luk Leban.
Leverkusen’s victory underlined their ambitions in a competition they reached the final of in 2023/24.
Benfica Make Statement at San Siro
Benfica produced one of the opening night’s standout performances by defeating AC Milan 2-0 away from home.
Dodi Lukébakio opened the scoring with a long-range finish before Jakub Kamiński doubled the Portuguese side’s advantage after the interval.
Milan pushed for a response, but Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin produced an important save to preserve the clean sheet.
What Lies Ahead for the Nigerians?
With the league phase only beginning, the Nigerian contingent faces contrasting challenges.
Players such as Ndidi, Chukwueze and Onyemaechi bring established European experience, while Yusuf, Lawal and other emerging names have the opportunity to raise their profiles on a continental stage.
For those fighting for greater recognition at international level, consistent Europa League performances could provide an important platform.
The competition’s new league-phase format also means there will be several opportunities for the Nigerian contingent to make an impact before the knockout rounds arrive.
For Nigerian football followers, the focus now shifts to the individual performances, playing time and contributions of the nine players as the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League campaign gathers momentum.
