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Which Nigerian Players Have Won UEFA Champions League?

Mikel John Obi
"Mikel John Obi / John Obi Mikel / John Mikel Obi of Chelsea" by Ben Sutherland is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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Let’s take a look at three Nigerian footballers who have claimed the Champions League.

UEFA Champions League is one of the most prestigious and highly coveted trophies in world football. Every year, the best clubs from Europe battle it out for the ultimate prize, and for players, winning this tournament is a dream come true.

In this article, we’ll take a look at three Nigerian footballers who have won the Champions League.

Finidi George

Finidi George is a name etched in the memory of Nigerian football enthusiasts. His journey to Champions League glory began with Ajax Amsterdam during the 1994-95 season. George played a pivotal role in the Ajax squad, contributing to their remarkable run to the title. His consistent performances as a winger made him an integral part of the team that defeated AC Milan 1-0 in the final. This historic victory marked the first time that a Nigerian player had won the UEFA Champions League.

Nwankwo Kanu

Kanu started his legendary career in European football with a move to Ajax in 1993. The Super Eagles star quickly developed into one of the most promising forwards in Eredivisie after making his debut the same year. In the 1995 Champions League final, Kanu came in as a sub as Ajax claimed the trophy in Vienna. The next year, he started for the Dutch giants in another UCL final, where they lost against Juventus in the penalty shootouts.

John Obi Mikel

John Obi Mikel, a midfielder renowned for his composure and vision, achieved Champions League glory during his time with Chelsea. He was an integral part of the Chelsea squad that lifted the Champions League trophy in the 2011-12 season. In a thrilling final, Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich in a dramatic penalty shootout, with Mikel providing a steady presence in midfield throughout the campaign.

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