The 2026.27 Spanish La Liga season begins this weekend with a renewal of rivalries between the trio of champions Barcelona, trophyless Real Madrid, and underdogs Atletico Madrid for the title. Nigerian players will also look to contribute to an exciting new season despite a reduction in number from five to three players in Spain’s top league following the departure of Akor Adams and long-term injury to Christantus Uche. We preview the Nigerians that can still make La Liga impact this new season. Contrasting fortune awaits established stars Ademola Lookman is undeniably the face of Nigeria in la liga. The former Atalanta forward joined Atletico Madrid in January and has delivered excellent performances, including scoring against Barcelona to knock them out of both UCL and Copa Del Rey. The tricky winger netted four league goals in 12 appearances, and has been trusted with the number 11 shirt this season to indicate his importance for the team. Elsewhere, Chidera Ejuke is another Super Eagle that is expected to kick on this season. His contributions aided Sevilla’s relegation survival last season, and the winger who featured in 27 matches should be trusted to lift the club away from relegation struggles this season. However, it remains to be seen if Umar Sadiq will still be at Real Sociedad at the end of the summer transfer window. A combination of injuries and presence of club legend and 2026 World Cup winner, Mikel Oyarzabal, has denied the Ranchers Bees co-owner game time. His six-month stint at Valencia last season showed he has not lost any of his strikers’ qualities, poaching four goals and providing two assists in 20 matches despite injuries. He was recently dropped from pre-season squad due to another injury, and it remains to be seen if he stays as a back-up in Sociedad or finds another La Liga club to be the main striker. Upcoming Stars waiting in the wings Two players of Nigerian heritage, Marvin Olawale and Destiny Ejiofor, have received rave reviews in the academies of Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. They are highly thought of at both clubs and could feature prominently in their respective B teams this season. Further excellent performances or injuries to established players could see either or both make their La Liga debuts some time this season. The return of Mourinho and record Diomande transfer Fireworks are expected at Real Madrid with the return of coach Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese tactician was coach from 2010/2011 to 2012/13 season when he was known for his el clasico fights with Barcelona, winning the La Liga title, and the high profile falling out with goalkeeper Iker Casillas. He arrives at a time Real Madrid have forgotten how to win trophies and have a fractured dressing room, and it would be interesting to see if he can replicate the unbeaten season he achieved with Benfica last season and snatch the title off of Barcelona. He has Ivory Coast’s record £120 million signing Yan Diomande to join an attacking cast that includes Vinicius Jr., Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, and World Cup record goalscorer, Kylian Mbappe. Predictions: Real Madrid to win league title, Barcelona to win Copa Del Rey.
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