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The group stage of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League wrapped up on Wednesday, with several Nigerian players making their mark on Europe’s biggest stage, Soccernet.football reports.
Samuel Chukwueze featured for AC Milan in their 2-1 defeat against Dinamo Zagreb, while Raphael Onyedika, Nathan Tella, and Ethan Nwaneri all scored their first-ever goals in the competition.
Chukwueze unable to inspire Milan in Zagreb
AC Milan suffered a setback in Croatia, losing 2-1 to Dinamo Zagreb. Chukwueze, who scored Milan’s winner against Parma in Serie A at the weekend, was introduced at halftime but could not turn the tide for the Rossoneri.
Milan’s task became even tougher when Yunus Musah was sent off in the 39th minute. Despite Christian Pulisic equalizing early in the second half after Martin Baturina’s first-half opener, Marko Pjaca struck on the hour mark to secure the win for Zagreb.
Despite the defeat, Milan still progressed to the knockout round playoffs.
Onyedika stuns Man City, but Guardiola’s men hit back
At the Etihad, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika shocked Manchester City by scoring just before halftime for his first-ever goal in the Champions League.
The Nigerian midfielder latched onto a pass from Christos Tzolis and powered a strike past Ederson to give the Belgian side a surprise lead.
However, City responded strongly in the second half, with goals from Mateo Kovačić and Savinho, plus an own goal from Joel Ordonez, sealing a 3-1 comeback victory for the defending champions.
The result confirmed City’s place in the next round, while Brugge narrowly advanced to the last 32.
Nwaneri and Tella find the net in historic nights
In Spain, Arsenal’s 17-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri produced a moment of brilliance in the Gunners’ 2-1 victory over Girona.
Nwaneri weaved past two defenders before unleashing a stunning strike from just inside the area, scoring his first Champions League goal and continuing his impressive rise under Mikel Arteta.
Elsewhere, in Germany, Nathan Tella found the net in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 win over Sparta Praha. The Nigerian forward pounced on a loose ball after the goalkeeper failed to deal with Grimaldo’s free kick, slamming it home to secure victory for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Victor Olatunji featured for Sparta Prague, while Victor Boniface was absent from Leverkusen’s squad amid speculation surrounding a potential move to Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.
With the group stage now concluded, Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen have secured places in the last 16, while Club Brugge and AC Milan will compete in the knockout round playoffs despite their loss at Manchester City and Dinamo Zagreb, respectively.
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