Seven Nigerian internationals will feature in the new format of the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League campaign, which kicks off today (Tuesday, September 17).

Elite European clubs, including Real Madrid, AC Milan, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Juventus, will all be in action tonight.

From the Nigerian perspective, the likes of Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Raphael Onyedika, Peter Olayinka, and Zachary Athekame will be participating.

Samuel Chukwueze’s AC Milan will take on six-time winners Liverpool at the San Siro later tonight. It will be the 13th appearance in the UCL for the 25-year-old. Chukwueze has registered four goals in the competition so far.

After his stellar campaign for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last season, Boniface will make his first appearance in the UEFA Champions League with Xabi Alonso’s side against Eredivisie giants Feyenoord on Thursday. Nathan Tella will also be in action in the same game alongside Boniface.

Ademola Lookman will be the center of attraction when Atalanta take on Arsenal at the Gewiss Stadium on Thursday. Lookman netted a historic hat-trick to guide Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to their first Europa League title last season.

Peter Olayinka will also be in action when Serbian club Red Star Belgrade hosts Benfica on Thursday. It will be the 12th appearance of the season for the versatile striker.

Raphael Onyedika and his Club Brugge side will welcome last season’s finalists Borussia Dortmund at the Breydel Stadium on Thursday. It will be the 8th UCL appearance for the young midfielder.

Youngster Zachary Athekame will be looking to make his Champions League debut when Young Boys of Switzerland welcome Aston Villa to the Wankdorfstadion.