The stage is set for the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League, with match-day one action set for the 24th and 25th of September across various stadiums in Europe.
The battle for the prestigious crown begins with 36 teams facing off to dethrone reigning champions Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the campaign.
While several African footballers make their return to the competition, many others are set for their debut with new clubs. This article explores the top five African Players to keep tabs on in the Europa League this season.
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos)
Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers is set to don the green colours of Panathinaikos in this season’s UEFA Europa League, after joining the Greek side in the summer transfer window from Rangers.
The forward scored three times and provided two assists in the Scottish side’s run to the quarterfinals last season and will be eyeing more goals for his new club, as he prepares for this season’s challenge.
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Evan Ndicka (AS Roma)
Ivorry Coast defender Evan Ndicka remains an important player for Italian side AS Roma and will be key if the club are to achieve success in the competition. The 26-year-old is a previous winner of the competition, achieving the feat in 2022 with Eintracht Frankfurt, and is well experienced with over 50 European matches under his belt.
The centre-back has featured in all minutes of Giallorossi’s Serie A matches this season, helping his side to three clean sheets from four matches.
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina was a pivotal part of the Tricky Trees qualification for Europe this season. He helped his side to a seventh-placed finish in the league, although they were upgraded from the Conference League to the Europa League following Crystal Palace’s demotion due to multi-ownership rules.
Aina is currently injured, but will be expected to play a key role if his side are to go far in the competition under new manager Ange Postecoglou, who won the last tournament with Tottenham Hotspur in May.
Top 5 Nigerian players to watch out for in 2025/26 UEFA club competitions
Mohamed Diomande (Rangers)
A second Ivory Coast international on this list, Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande’s influence has grown with impressive displays for club and country. He missed only two of the Scottish club’s Europa League games last season and has missed just a single game this season, highlighting his consistency and availability.
The 23-year-old will hope for a much improved outing this season, as they hope to build on their quarterfinal exit in the last campaign.
Chancel Mbemba (Lille)
Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba rounds off this list as he prepares for his European debut with Lille, after joining the club in the summer transfer window.
The 31-year-old has played over 50 European games in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.
He also scored four crucial goals for Marseille in the 2023/24 Europa League, before their exit to eventual winners Atalanta.
