With Europe’s second-tier competition set to kick off across the continent in midweek, PUNCH Sports Extra put the spotlight on Nigerian players set to feature in the competition.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic)

The Super Eagles forward will be in the fray for Scottish Premier Football League champions Celtic, as they begin their journey in the Europa League with a tough fixture away at Serbian powerhouse, Crvena Zvezda.

The Nigerian international has hit the ground running for manager Brendan Rodgers’ side, netting a penalty on his debut as Celtic won 2-1 away at Kilmarnock and providing an assist as they won 4-0 in their Scottish League Cup tie away at Partick Thistle last Sunday.

Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos)

During the qualification phase for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, Panathinaikos took on Scootish heavyweights Glasgow Rangers, with Cyriel Dessers helping the Ibrox side record an aggregate victory.

Since then, Dessers has switched destinations from Scotland to Greece, following a deadline day move during the summer transfer window. The 30-year-old has also been in fine form for the Greens, having scored in back-to-back fixtures against Kifisia in the Greek Cup and Olympiacos in the Super League last weekend.

The former Genk and Cremonese striker will be looking to continue his impressive start to life in Greece, when they travel to Switzerland to face Young Boys on matchday one.

Former European champions, Nottingham Forest, will have Super Eagles full-back, Ola Aina, and striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, amongst their legion for their debut campaign in the UEFA Europa League.

The Tricky Trees initially qualified for the Conference League by virtue of their league finish last term. However, they were promoted to Europe’s second-tier competition after Crystal Palace violated club ownership regulations.

As Forest prepare for life in Europe for the first time in three decades, they will be without Aina, who is currently nursing an injury. New manager Ange Postecoglu has named 22 players for their away clash at Spanish La Liga outfit, Real Betis, with neither Aina nor Awoniyi among the travelling party.

Terem Moffi (OGC Nice)

The Nigeria international is currently enjoying a new lease of life, having started the 2025/26 season on fire with two goals in five matches for French Ligue 1 side, OGC Nice.

The 26-year-old, who missed the majority of last term due to injury, will be hoping to play a vital part for Nice as they welcome Italian Serie A side, AS Roma on Wednesday (today).

Moffi will be coming into the tie with confidence, having scored his team’s only goal in their 4-1 away defeat at Stade Brestois last Saturday.

Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)

The Nigerian left-back had looked to be on his way out of the Estadio do Dragao over the summer. However, the 28-year-old has had his fair share of appearances for FC Porto this term, having played six league matches and contributed one assist.

Zaidu, who featured for 45 minutes as Porto thrashed their hosts, Rio Ave, 3-0 last Friday, could be called upon when they take on Austrian giants, Salzburg.