The 2025/26 European football season has entered its decisive stretch, with several Nigerian players on course for silverware across the continent, while others are locked in tense relegation battles, AJIBADE OLUSESAN writes.
Title chasers Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid – UEFA Champions League)
Ademola Lookman remains one of Nigeria’s biggest hopes for major European silverware this season. The winger is still in the UEFA Champions League with Atletico Madrid, as the Spanish side continue their push for Europe’s biggest prize.
Lookman has built a reputation for delivering in decisive moments and already has a Europa League title to his name after starring for Atalanta in 2024.
He has also hit the ground running since he joined Atletico in a €35 million transfer in the winter, scoring 7 goals and 4 assists in his first 18 appearances. He has already lost in the final of the Copa del Rey, but if Atletico go all the way in the Champions League, the Nigerian could add the most prestigious club trophy in world football to his growing honours list.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray – Turkish Super Lig)
Victor Osimhen is leading Galatasaray’s effort to defend their Turkish league title. The striker has been a key figure in the club’s attack, with his goals playing a crucial role in keeping them firmly in the title race. The 27-year-old has now scored 20 goals across all competitions for the Yellow and Reds this season. After returning from injury, Osimhen has made a significant impact at a critical moment, scoring during a 3-0 victory over rivals Fenerbahce on Sunday. As a result, the Istanbul giants remain favourites to finish at the top of the league.
Onuachu, Nwakaeme and Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor – Turkish Cup)
Paul Onuachu, Anthony Nwakaeme, and Chibuike Nwaiwu have all been important players for Trabzonspor as they compete in the Turkish Cup this season. Paul Onuachu has had a very strong season. Since returning to the club, he has scored 24 goals in 29 matches, showing how important he is to the team’s attack. Even though Trabzonspor are no longer in the race for the league title, Onuachu’s goals have helped keep their hopes alive in the Turkish Cup.
Winning the cup would be a great way to finish what has already been a very successful personal season for him. Nwakaeme has also played a big role in the team. As one of the more experienced players, he brings leadership and calmness on the field. He has stepped up in important matches and helped guide the team through difficult moments in their cup run.
His presence in the squad continues to be very valuable as they push for a trophy. Nwaiwu, who joined the team in January, has quickly made an impact. Playing as a centre-back, he has been solid in defence and has shown confidence in his performances. Despite being a defender, he has also managed to score some goals, which has made him even more important to the team. His performances in the second half of the season have made him one of the standout players for Trabzonspor.
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas – Turkish Cup)
Wilfred Ndidi is another Nigerian chasing domestic honours in Turkey. The midfielder has become a vital player for Besiktas in his debut season, and with league success unlikely, the Turkish Cup offers their best chance of ending the campaign with a trophy.
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest – UEFA Europa League)
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi are part of Nottingham Forest’s season, which has them fighting on two fronts—European competition and a relegation battle in the Premier League. Aina has missed key parts of the season due to injury, which has affected Forest’s performances, especially in their push for success in the UEFA Europa League, where he is usually an important player when fit.
Awoniyi was left out of the Europa League squad due to injury and limited squad space. He has also struggled for consistent game time in the league, as Forest remain focused on both avoiding relegation and chasing European glory.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic – Scottish Premiership and Cup)
Kelechi Iheanacho’s late-season revival has placed him on course for a successful finish in Scotland. The striker scored twice in Celtic’s dramatic Scottish Cup semi-final win over St Mirren and now has the chance to win the cup. Celtic are also still in the hunt for the league title, meaning Iheanacho could yet end the season with a domestic double.
Francis Uzoho (Omonia – Cypriot League)
Francis Uzoho is closing in on league success in Cyprus. The goalkeeper has been the first choice for Omonia, who sit top of the table and remain favourites to lift the title.
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos – Greek Super League)
Bruno Onyemaechi is involved in a tight Greek title race with Olympiacos. The club remain within touching distance of the leaders and are still capable of mounting a late challenge.
Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers – Scottish Premiership)
Emmanuel Fernandez is part of a Rangers side battling for the Scottish title. The defender has enjoyed an excellent campaign and was recently named in the PFA Scottish Team of the Year.
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague – Czech League)
Igoh Ogbu is on course to become a league champion in the Czech Republic. Slavia Prague have dominated the season, and the Nigerian defender has been a key figure in one of the strongest backlines in the league.
Zaidu Sanusi and Terem Moffi (Porto – Liga Portugal and Cup)
Zaidu Sanusi and Terem Moffi are both pushing for success with FC Porto in the league and domestic cup. Sanusi is having another strong season and is close to winning more trophies with Porto. The team is currently leading the league and is still competing in the cup, giving him a good chance to add to his achievements. Moffi, who joined the club on loan in January, is also aiming for success. The striker is working hard to make an impact and hopes to win the first major trophy of his career in Europe with Porto.
Yira Collins Sor (Genk – Belgian Pro League)
Yira Collins Sor remains in the Belgian title race with Genk. Although not favourites, the club are still close enough to challenge in the final stretch, and the winger has played a critical part in the run, having featured in about 40 matches in all competitions, scoring six times with two assists to his name.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge – Belgian Pro League)
Raphael Onyedika continues to play a key role in Club Brugge’s push for the league title, with his steady performances keeping the team among the top contenders in Belgium. He has had an excellent 2025/2026 season, further proving himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the league. In the Belgian Pro League, Onyedika has made 28 appearances, scoring 1 goal while playing as the team’s main holding midfielder.
He has been very reliable on the ball, with over 90% passing accuracy, and strong defensively, averaging more than 1.6 tackles per game. His performances have helped Club Brugge stay in a tight title race with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, and his impressive season has also earned him a nomination for the prestigious Ebony Shoe Award.
Frank Onyeka (Coventry City – EFL Championship)
Frank Onyeka has already secured silverware this season. The midfielder helped Coventry City win the Championship title and earn promotion to the Premier League.
Relegation battlers Tolu Arokodare (Wolves – Premier League)
Wolves have been relegated from the Premier League after a difficult season that ended their eight-year stay in the top flight. For Tolu Arokodare, the campaign has been disappointing.
Since joining Wolverhampton Wanderers from KRC Genk, he has struggled for form, scoring just 3 goals in 28 appearances in the Premier League. His season was further affected by a dressing-room incident after a heavy loss to West Ham United, which led to a fine and being dropped from the squad.
Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla – La Liga)
Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke are both playing for Sevilla in the La Liga, but the team are enduring a terrible season. Adams has done well individually, scoring 8 goals and standing out as one of Sevilla’s better attacking players. However, despite his efforts, the team is still close to the relegation zone and needs to improve quickly to stay safe in the league.
Ejuke has also contributed in attack with his pace and creativity, but Sevilla’s overall poor form means they are still fighting to avoid relegation, and nothing is guaranteed yet as the season approaches its final stage.
Awaziem (Nantes – Ligue 1), Orban (Verona – Serie A), Akinsanmiro, Durosinmi (Pisa – Serie A) and David Okereke (Cremonese – Serie A)
Chidozie Awaziem, Gift Orban, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Rafiu Durosinmi, and David Okereke are all facing tough endof-season battles across Europe, with their clubs struggling in relegation fights. Awaziem’s FC Nantes are in danger in Ligue 1 and need a strong finish to stay up. In Italy, Orban’s Hellas Verona are in the relegation zone, while he is also struggling for goals in Serie A.
At Pisa SC, both Akinsanmiro and Durosinmi are part of a side sitting bottom of the table, facing a very difficult fight to survive. Meanwhile, Okereke’s US Cremonese are just above the drop zone and still not safe, with only a few matches left in the season.
Victor Boniface and Felix Agu (Werder Bremen – Bundesliga)
Victor Boniface and Felix Agu are both working hard to secure their positions as Werder Bremen fights to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga. Boniface’s loan spell has been significantly impacted by injuries, which have limited his contributions this season.
However, if he returns before the end of the campaign, he could still play a crucial role in Bremen’s fight for survival. Agu has also faced injury setbacks, missing important matches during a challenging period for the club. Werder Bremen is in a tight battle to maintain their Bundesliga status, and both players could be vital to the team’s efforts if they can regain their full fitness.
