Nigerian footballers in UCL action tonight

Europe’s elites competition, the UEFA Champions League Match Day 5 gets under way tonight across the continent. We take a look at some of Nigeria’s exports taking part in the 2015/2016 season, taking stock of their individual and team performances, chances of progression and more.

JOHN MIKEL OBI (Chlesea FC)

The Chelsea FC and Super Eagles’ midfielder whose team currently sit second in group G, three points behind leaders FC Porto; will slug it out with already-ousted Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv tonight at the Sammy Ofer Stadium, Haifa in Isreal.

Despite playing fringe roles in recent seasons of the competition, Mikel is shortlisted for the game but the question of getting a starting role cannot be answered. His dip-in-form coupled with injuries leaves the Nigerian with little chance of being featured in a crucial game like this one.

However, hope may beckon for the UCL Medalist due to unimpressive performance by Nemanja Matic during the Premier League game against Norwich at Stamford Bridge last weekend with Ramires also coming on only to make little impact.

Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow)

The versatile winger has remained consistent for both club and country this season and is expected to feature for CSKA Moscow at the Arena Khimki Stadium against VFL Wolfsburg. Musa’s record in this campaign has been very impressive with high work rate, pace and speed in addition to the team’s attacking options.

Though the team faces possible group stage elimination today if they fail to register a win as they sit bottom of group B, the Eagles’ winger remains a top choice in his position.

BROWN IDEYE (Olympiacos)

The Super Eagles and Olympiakos of Greece striker has had four appearances, one goal and one assist in this season’s UCL group stage games.

He has also enjoyed 316 minutes of playing time so far. The former West Brom striker is a regular starter for his new club this season locally and on the continental stage. Sitting second to Bayern Munchen on the log with nine points, Ideye has a responsibility of scoring goals to keep the team in safety for progression to the round of 16 in the competition if he gets the starting role.

Moses Simon (KAA Gent)

The Gent forward has only featured once in this campaign playing for just 75 minutes but hope to be on the starting role against group H counterparts, Lyon at Stade De Gerland in France. The Belgian club currently sits third with four points, two behind Valencia FC and eight behind table toppers Zenith St. Petersburg.

A win against Lyon can light up hopes of qualifying for the round of 16 with a game remaining. The former Under-20 and currently a Super Eagles player with seven caps hopes to add to his cap for the club in the competition and possibly get a win.

Nosa Igiebor (Mac Tel Aviv)

The Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder is likely to feature against his compatriot John Mikel Obi in a crucial game to Chelsea’s progression in the competition. The Israeli based footballer is a regular starter for his side locally but has only managed two appearances for his team this term in the UCL. The former U-23 and a Super Eagles midfielder will hope to cause and upset for his compatriot when they go head to head on Match Day 5 in Israel.