SPAIN
In Spain’s Copa del Rey, Christantus Uche will look to help Getafe cause an upset when they visit Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday. The Nigerian forward, who has netted twice and provided two assists in 22 La Liga appearances this season, faces an Atletico side seeking their 11th Copa trophy.
Getafe enters the contest in solid form, unbeaten in their last six matches, including creditable results against Barcelona and Real Sociedad. However, they haven’t beaten Atletico since November 2011 in La Liga meetings, though this will be their first Copa del Rey clash since January 2013.
On Thursday, Umar Sadiq and Valencia host Barcelona in another quarter-final tie. Sadiq, who has found the net once in four appearances since returning from injury, will aim to boost Los Che’s cup ambitions against a Barcelona side that has struggled in La Liga, managing just one win in eight games.
Valencia, traditionally one of Spain’s giants, have shown improvement under Carlos Corberán, recently defeating Real Sociedad and pushing Real Madrid and Sevilla to the limit. They’ll hope to capitalize on Barcelona’s domestic inconsistency, despite their strong Champions League form.
ITALY
In Italy’s Coppa Italia, African Footballer of The Year Ademola Lookman will miss Atalanta’s quarter-final clash with Bologna on Tuesday due to a knee injury sustained in training. The 27-year-old forward, who has scored 14 goals and provided six assists this season, could be sidelined for up to a month.
His absence is a significant blow for Atalanta, who seek to reach the semi-finals for the sixth consecutive season. The Bergamo club have been runners-up in two of the last four editions and had been in impressive form with Lookman leading their attack.
Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze and AC Milan welcome Roma to San Siro on Wednesday in what promises to be the tie of the round. Chukwueze has impressed in cup competitions this season with two goals in one Coppa Italia appearance, adding to his overall tally of four goals and one assist in 25 matches across all competitions.
GERMANY
The DFB-Pokal quarter-finals see Frank Onyeka’s Augsburg visit high-flying Stuttgart on Tuesday. The Nigerian midfielder, who has registered two assists in 19 appearances, will look to help his side reach their first semi-final since 2010. Stuttgart enters the match as favorites, having won their last three meetings with Augsburg, including a 1-0 league victory in January.
Cup holders Bayer Leverkusen host rivals FC Köln on Wednesday, with Nigerian duo Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella hoping to extend their impressive cup form. Boniface has nine goals and one assist in 16 appearances, while Tella’s winner against Bayern Munich in the last round helped eliminate the record champions.
BELGIUM
The Belgian Cup semi-finals pit Tolu Arokodare’s Genk against Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge in a delicately poised tie. After Brugge’s 2-1 first-leg victory, Arokodare, who has scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 24 games, will aim to help Genk overturn the deficit against Onyedika and his Brugge teammates.
FRANCE
In France’s Coupe de France round of 16, new Lille signing Chuba Akpom could make his debut against Nord rivals Dunkerque on Tuesday. The Nigerian-born striker, who joined on loan from Ajax, has scored eight goals this season, including four in the Europa League.
His arrival strengthens Les Dogues’ push for silverware, as they remain unbeaten in 12 home matches across all competitions.
ENGLAND
The FA Cup fourth round features several Nigerian players in action this weekend.
- Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester visit Manchester United on Friday, though his participation remains uncertain due to injury recovery.
- On Saturday, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey’s Fulham host Wigan Athletic.
- Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu’s Southampton welcome Burnley to St Mary’s Stadium. The Saints duo are in good form after both scored in their recent Premier League victory over Ipswich.
- Jamilu Collins and his Cardiff City side travel to face Stoke City.
TURKEY
The Turkish Cup group stages continue:
- Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray face Boluspor in Group C on Thursday.
- Bright Osayi-Samuel’s Fenerbahce meet Erzurum FK in Group B action on Wednesday.
The week ahead presents key opportunities for Nigerian players across European domestic cup competitions, with several intriguing match-ups that could see them progress closer to silverware. Their involvement underscores the growing influence of Nigerian footballers in major tournaments across Europe.
