2022-23 UEFA Champions League Draw: Five Nigerian stars set to light up Europe’s premier competition
The qualifiers for Europe’s premier club competition, the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League, have been concluded and all 32 teams that will partake in the competition have been determined. This year, Nigeria’s flag will be flown by five players representing four clubs in the competition. Here is a breakdown of Nigeria’s representatives in the competition.
Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli): Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will return to Champions League football for the first time since sealing an African-record transfer to Napoli from Lille in 2020. The 23-year-old striker helped Napoli to reach the group stage of the competition after they finished the 2021-22 Serie A season in third place.
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto): Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi will feature in the Champions League for a third successive season with FC Porto. The former Santa Clara defender recovered from losing his place in the starting line-up at the start of last season to become one of Porto’s key players. He helped the Portuguese giants claim the league title, earning them an automatic place in the group stage.
Calvin Bassey (Ajax): After completing a transfer from Rangers to Ajax, Calvin Bassey is set to make his Champions League bow for the Dutch giants. The 22-year-old previously featured in the UEFA Europa League with the Scottish club in 2021-22 but is now set for a significant step up as he looks to make his debut in the competition.
Paul Mukairu (FC Copenhagen): Little-known Paul Mukairu is one of the rising talents at Danish giants FC Copenhagen. The 22-year-old winger featured for the club in their goalless draw against Trabzonspor in the playoffs as Copenhagen secured a 2-1 aggregate win to book a return to the competition.
Akinkunmi Amoo (FC Copenhagen): Akinkunmi Amoo is probably the best-known youngster in Nigerian football. The diminutive winger completed a move to FC Copenhagen last winter and has seen injuries hinder his progression into the first team. The 20-year-old was on the bench for both playoff games as his side booked their place in the group stage of the competition at the expense of Trabzonspor.
