Nine African stars set for UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

African representation will be strong in the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League League Phase, with nine players from the continent confirmed to feature for Europe’s elite clubs.

Nigeria will be represented by five players including two from PSG with Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini.

AS Roma have Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo in their fold.

The huge presence of Nigerian players in the competition  underline the country’s growing influence in European women’s football.

Mali contributes two, while the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi are represented by one player each.

With clubs like Lyon, PSG, Roma, Benfica, and Paris FC all featuring African talent, the continent will be well represented as the competition enters its new league format.

The African contingent:

1. Shukurat Oladipo (Nigeria) – AS Roma

2. Rinsola Babajide (Nigeria) – AS Roma

3. Christy Ucheibe (Nigeria) – SL Benfica

4. Jennifer Echegini (Nigeria) – Paris Saint-Germain

5. Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) – Paris Saint-Germain

6. Agueissa Diarra (Mali) – Paris Saint-Germain

7. Teninsoun Sissoko (Mali) – Paris FC

8. Merveille Kanjinga (DR Congo) – Paris Saint-Germain

9. Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi) – Olympique Lyonnais

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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