Ime Ndon Shares Special Feeling After UEFA Champions League Debut
Playing in the UEFA Champions League is always a dream for many footballers, and Nigerian forward Ime Ndon has described his debut for Milsami as a “special feeling” despite his team’s exit from the competition.
Ndon made his Champions League bow on Tuesday, 15 July 2025, during the second leg of the first qualifying round against Finnish champions KuPS. The Nigerian winger missed the first leg, which Milsami lost 1-0 in Finland.
Last season, Ime Ndon played a key role in helping Milsami win the Moldovan League title in style.
Speaking after the game, Ndon expressed his excitement:
“Making my debut in the Champions League was a special feeling. Every footballer’s dream is to play in the UEFA Champions League, so for me, it was a special moment. I will keep working hard for more moments like this,” Ndon said.
The second leg in Orhei, Moldova, ended in a goalless draw, which was enough for KuPS to progress 1-0 on aggregate. Otto Ruoppi’s strike in the first leg proved decisive, as the Finnish champions defended their slim lead despite Milsami’s late pressure.
Interestingly, KuPS once had another Nigerian forward, Aniekpeno Udoh, who, like Ndon, hails from Akwa Ibom State.
While Milsami’s Champions League campaign has ended, their European journey will continue in the UEFA Conference League. Ndon and his teammates will face Budućnost of Montenegro in the second qualifying round on Wednesday, 23 July 2025.
“This is just the beginning for me in Europe. We will give our best in the Conference League,” Ndon added.
