Revealed: Oldest Nigerian to feature in UEL after Moffi's OGC Nice teammate sets all-time record

Terem Moffi watched history unfold at the Allianz Riviera on Wednesday night as OGC Nice suffered a 2-1 defeat against AS Roma in their UEFA Europa League opener., allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Nigeria international, who had initially been penciled in to start, was relegated to the bench by manager Franck Haise as punishment for reporting late to a pre-match team meeting. 

Introduced in the second half with Nice trailing by two goals, Moffi made an instant impact, reducing the deficit 13 minutes from time with his third goal of the season.

While Moffi’s strike offered a glimmer of hope, the night belonged to Nice captain Dante. 

The Brazilian defender entered the record books as the oldest outfield player ever to feature in a Europa League match.

At 41 years and 341 days, Dante eclipsed the previous record held by Joaquin, who was 41 years and 98 days when he turned out for Real Betis against Manchester United in 2023.

The overall competition record still belongs to goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who played for Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 42 years and 173 days in a 2-1 win over Sheriff in 2013.

On April 17, 2025, Rangers alum Leon Balogun became the oldest Nigerian to appear in the Europa League when he started against Athletic Bilbao at 36 years and 293 days.

Behind him in the all-time Nigerian ranking is former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo, who featured at 32 years, seven months and 26 days. 

The top five oldest Nigerians to play in the competition is completed by John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama and Shola Ameobi, all of whom enjoyed distinguished careers.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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