From Kanu To Mikel: Six Nigerians Who Lifted UEFA Trophies

Nigeria has long been a breeding ground for football talent, and several Super Eagles players have gone on to achieve glory in Europe’s most prestigious club competitions. From the UEFA Champions League to the Europa League, six Nigerians stand out for their historic triumphs with unforgettable performances and decisive moments in finals that remain part of football folklore.

1. Nwankwo Kanu – Ajax (1995 Champions League, Inter Milan 1998 UEFA Cup)

Kanu was part of Ajax’s golden generation that stunned Europe in 1995. The Amsterdam club defeated AC Milan 1–0 in the Champions League final, with 18-year-old Patrick Kluivert scoring the winner. While Kanu did not score, his creativity and presence across that campaign were vital.

Three years later, with Inter Milan, he added the UEFA Cup, playing a role as the Italians beat Lazio 3–0 in the 1998 final at Parc des Princes. That triumph underlined his reputation as one of Africa’s most decorated players.

2. Finidi George – Ajax (1995 Champions League, UEFA Super Cup 1995)

Alongside Kanu, winger Finidi George played a key role in Ajax’s 1995 Champions League triumph, starting in the final against Milan. Known for his pace and work rate on the right flank, Finidi provided balance to a youthful Ajax side that shocked Europe.

He later won the UEFA Super Cup, helping Ajax overcome Real Zaragoza over two legs in 1995.

3. John Obi Mikel – Chelsea (2012 Champions League, 2013 Europa League)

Mikel delivered one of the greatest individual performances by a Nigerian in a European final. In the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich, played at the Allianz Arena, Mikel was immense in midfield, breaking up attacks and protecting Chelsea’s backline in a game that went to extra time. Chelsea eventually triumphed 4–3 on penalties after Didier Drogba’s dramatic equaliser and decisive spot-kick.

A year later, Mikel added the Europa League medal as Chelsea beat Benfica 2–1 in the 2013 final in Amsterdam. Branislav Ivanović’s stoppage-time header sealed victory, with Mikel again anchoring the midfield.

4. Taribo West – Inter Milan (1998 UEFA Cup)

The charismatic defender was part of Inter Milan’s backline during their 1998 UEFA Cup run. In the final against Lazio, West featured in the squad as goals from Zamorano, Zanetti and Ronaldo earned Inter a commanding 3–0 win. While Ronaldo stole the headlines with a masterclass, West’s defensive contributions across the campaign ensured Inter remained solid at the back.

5. Chidi Odiah – CSKA Moscow (2005 UEFA Cup)

Odiah became the first Nigerian to lift a major European trophy with a Russian club. In the 2005 UEFA Cup final against Sporting Lisbon in Lisbon, Odiah played a full 90 minutes at right-back as CSKA stunned the home side 3–1. Goals from Aleksei Berezutski, Yuri Zhirkov, and Vágner Love sealed a historic victory, with Odiah praised for containing Sporting’s dangerous wingers in their own stadium.

6. Victor Moses – Chelsea (2013 Europa League)

Moses was a key part of Chelsea’s Europa League-winning squad under Rafa Benítez. Though he didn’t feature in the 2013 final against Benfica due to injury concerns, his earlier contributions were crucial, scoring in both legs of the semi-final against Basel. Chelsea’s 2–1 win in the final capped a memorable campaign for the Nigerian winger, earning him a place in history as a UEFA trophy winner.