As the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) campaign kicks off, Nigerian players are once again in the spotlight, ready to bring flair, passion, and decisive moments to Europe’s elite stage.
The 2025/26 season introduces a new League Phase format featuring 18 teams, each playing six matches, three at home and three away. The top four sides will advance directly to the quarterfinals, teams finishing 5th to 12th will enter the playoffs, while the bottom six will be eliminated.
Our football writer, Amara Obah, profiles the Nigerians ready to make their mark in the 2025/26 Women’s Champions League.
1. Rasheedat Ajibade – Paris Saint-Germain Féminine
The Super Falcons captain’s switch to Paris Saint-Germain ended months of speculation over her next move, following her exit from Atlético Madrid Femenino as a free agent.
After lifting the WAFCON trophy with Nigeria in July, Ajibade has begun making her mark in France. Now, she’ll look to make an impact on the European stage, where her pace, creativity, and drive could be the spark PSG need for a strong Champions League run.
The Parisians have been drawn against Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg, Real Madrid, Benfica, OH Leuven, and Manchester United in what promises to be a challenging League Phase campaign.
2. Jennifer Echegini – Paris Saint-Germain Féminine
Ajibade’s arrival reunites her with fellow Nigerian Jennifer Echegini, adding even more creativity and flair to PSG’s attacking options. The dynamic midfielder impressed last season, contributing goals and assists while showcasing her sharp footwork, vision, and attacking instinct.
Echegini will likely play alongside Ajibade in attack, a partnership that could light up the UWCL. Facing the same set of opponents, her ability to control midfield battles against the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid could prove vital to PSG’s campaign.
She has the quality to shine on the biggest nights in Paris, and this season offers the perfect stage to establish herself among Europe’s elite.
3. Christy Ucheibe – Benfica
Reliable, resilient, and relentless, Christy Ucheibe remains a cornerstone of Benfica’s team. The Portuguese champions return to the Champions League after missing out last season, and Ucheibe’s tactical intelligence will be vital as they aim to progress beyond the quarterfinal stage, their best run so far.
Benfica’s fixtures include meetings with Arsenal, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Twente, and Paris FC. Ucheibe’s physical presence and composure will be crucial in battles against technically gifted sides.
4. Rinsola Babajide – AS Roma
After an impressive start to the season in Italy, Rinsola Babajide is set to bring her fine form onto the continental stage with AS Roma. Her direct play, pace, and flair make her one of Roma’s most unpredictable attacking outlets.
Babajide’s explosiveness on the flanks could prove decisive in tight contests, as she continues to grow in confidence and importance for the Italian side.
Roma will face Barcelona, Chelsea, St. Pölten, Real Madrid, Vålerenga, and OH Leuven in the League Phase.
5. Shukurat Oladipo – AS Roma
Young defender Shukurat Oladipo is also part of the Roma setup and could see valuable minutes in this campaign. Composed under pressure and quick in recovery, she brings energy and balance to the team’s back line.
Her development in this season’s UWCL will be worth watching closely. Competing against some of Europe’s best will only enhance her confidence and maturity, as she continues to grow into one of Nigeria’s brightest emerging talents.
All five Nigerians have different roles, but one goal: to make an impact on the biggest stage.
Who do you think will have a great season?
