Super Eagles stars poised for laurels with European clubs

The new European football season will once again see a rich contingent of Super Eagles stars showcasing their talents across the continent’s top leagues. From the bustling stadiums of England’s Premier League to the passionate grounds of Italy’s Serie A, Turkey’s Süper Lig, and beyond, these players will not only be fighting for glory with […]

The new European football season will once again see a rich contingent of Super Eagles stars showcasing their talents across the continent’s top leagues.

From the bustling stadiums of England’s Premier League to the passionate grounds of Italy’s Serie A, Turkey’s Süper Lig, and beyond, these players will not only be fighting for glory with their clubs but also carrying the weight of Nigeria’s football ambitions on their shoulders.

Their performances in Europe will be pivotal as the national team gears up for the decisive stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the much-anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Weekend Trust Sports takes a look at the Super Eagles who are set to compete for their clubs this season in Europe.

 

Italy

Maduka Okoye — Udinese (Serie A)

Okoye re-established himself as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper toward the end of last season, producing several match-winning saves. His agility, reflexes and improved command of his box make him the undisputed No.1 for the club heading into the new campaign. Chance of starting regularly: Very high.

 

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru — SS Lazio (Serie A)

The attacking midfielder, who joined from Hatayspor, will face stiff competition at Lazio from established Serie A playmakers. However, his ability to carry the ball through midfield and his physicality give him an edge for impact roles, especially in Europa League fixtures. Chance of starting regularly: Moderate.

 

Samuel Chukwueze — AC Milan (Serie A)

Chukwueze endured an inconsistent first season at Milan, partly due to injuries. With a full preseason under his belt, he is expected to challenge for a starting berth on the right wing, rotating with Christian Pulisic. Chance of starting regularly: Moderate to high.

 

Ademola Lookman — Atalanta (Serie A)

Lookman is coming off a phenomenal campaign where he scored a Europa League final hat-trick and won Africa’s Footballer of the Year. Currently, he has requested to leave the club and the situation is degenerating by the day. He hasn’t been training with the team as at time of writing this. Chance of starting regularly: Very low.

 

Turkey

Victor Osimhen — Galatasaray (Süper Lig)

After a record-breaking goal scoring season in Turkey, Osimhen is Galatasaray’s talisman, having joined on a permanent basis from Napoli. Defenders struggle to contain his pace, power and aerial threat. Barring injury, he will start every important game. Chance of starting regularly: Certain.

 

Paul Onuachu — Trabzonspor (Süper Lig)

Onuachu made his loan move permanent and remains the focal point of Trabzonspor’s attack. His height and hold-up play make him irreplaceable in their direct style. Chance of starting regularly: Very high.

 

Wilfred Ndidi — Beikta JK (Süper Lig)

Wilfred Ndidi officially joined Turkish giants, Beşiktaş JK from Leicester City in a deal worth a reported €8 million. He arrived in Istanbul as a marquee signing for the Black Eagles, who are seeking to bolster their squad for both domestic and European challenges. Chance of starting regularly: Certain.

 

England

Calvin Bassey — Fulham (Premier League)

Bassey’s versatility allows him to play both centre-back and left-back. After adapting well last season, he is tipped to be a defensive mainstay for Fulham, especially with his strength in one-on-one duels. Chance of starting regularly: High.

 

Ola Aina — Nottingham Forest (Premier League)

Aina’s adaptability to play both flanks is crucial for Forest. While competition exists, his consistency last term suggests he will start most matches. Chance of starting regularly: High.

 

Alex Iwobi — Fulham (Premier League)

Iwobi had his best Premier League season in 2024/25 and is vital to Fulham’s creativity. He will almost certainly retain his starting role under Marco Silva. Chance of starting regularly: Very high.

 

Joe Aribo — Southampton (Premier League)

Aribo’s versatility is valued, but Southampton’s squad depth means he may not be a guaranteed starter. He is likely to be rotated, depending on tactical needs. Chance of starting regularly: Moderate.

 

Portugal

Zaidu Sanusi — FC Porto (Primeira Liga)

Sanusi remains Porto’s first-choice left-back despite some injury setbacks. His pace and attacking overlaps are key in the league’s big matches. Chance of starting regularly: High.

 

Czech Republic

Igoh Ogbu — Slavia Prague (Czech First League)

Ogbu was a rock in Slavia’s title-winning campaign. His aerial dominance and composure mean he will almost certainly keep his place in the starting XI. Chance of starting regularly: Very high.

 

Belgium

Jordan Torunarigha — Gent (Belgian Pro League)

Torunarigha has cemented his role at the heart of Gent’s defence. His strong tackling and leadership make him one of the first names on the team sheet. Chance of starting regularly: Very high.

 

Raphael Onyedika — Club Brugge (Belgian Pro League)

Onyedika’s dynamic box-to-box style keeps him central to Brugge’s midfield. His physicality ensures he starts most matches. Chance of starting regularly: High.

 

Tolu Arokodare — Genk (Belgian Pro League)

The tall striker will lead Genk’s line in most games, though rotation in cup fixtures is likely. His aerial threat keeps him in the coach’s plans. Chance of starting regularly: High.

 

Germany

Frank Onyeka — Augsburg (Bundesliga)

Onyeka’s move from Brentford to Augsburg promises more playing time. His defensive work rate should see him start regularly, especially in high-pressing matches. Chance of starting regularly: High.

Victor Boniface — Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Boniface was instrumental in Leverkusen’s unbeaten league run in the 2023/2024 season. As the club’s leading striker, he will be central to their Champions League campaign. Chance of starting regularly: Certain.

 

Nathan Tella — Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Tella’s versatility across the front line ensures significant minutes, but he may rotate in a star-studded attack. Chance of starting regularly: Moderate to high.

 

Spain

Christantus Uche — Getafe (La Liga)

Uche is expected to play a supporting role initially, but his energy could see him earn more starts as the season progresses. Chance of starting regularly: Moderate.

 

Kelechi Iheanacho — Sevilla (La Liga)

Back from a Middlesbrough loan, Iheanacho faces competition in Sevilla’s attack. He may feature often but not always as a starter. Chance of starting regularly: Moderate.

 

Umar Sadiq — Valencia (La Liga)

Sadiq will compete with established forwards but has the physicality to lead the line in certain tactical setups. Chance of starting regularly: Moderate to high.

 

Chidera Ejuke — Sevilla (La Liga)

Ejuke’s dribbling skills offer Sevilla a different attacking option. He may start in cup games and rotate in the league. Chance of starting regularly: Moderate.

 

France

Moses Simon — Paris FC (Ligue 1)

Simon’s arrival is a statement for Paris FC who just got promoted to the highest tier of French football after a 46-year absence. His experience and pace make him an automatic starter in most games. Chance of starting regularly: Very high.

 

Scotland

Cyriel Dessers — Rangers (Scottish Premiership)

Dessers finished last season as Scotland’s top scorer. He is the undisputed first choice for Rangers and will spearhead their Champions League qualifiers. Chance of starting regularly: Certain.

The upcoming season promises to be pivotal for Super Eagles players across Europe. Established stars like Osimhen, Lookman, Boniface and Ndidi are near-guaranteed starters, while others, such as Dele-Bashiru, Iheanacho and Ejuke will need to fight for regular places.

The variety of leagues, from the Premier League to the Süper Lig, ensures that Nigeria’s European contingent will remain highly competitive, potentially boosting the national team’s depth ahead of major tournaments.