Matchup
Hard matchup
You are stronger late game — farm safe and avoid early trades.
Build vs Nilah
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
73%
17%Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Precision
Press the Attack
Triumph
Legend: Bloodline
Cut Down
Inspiration
Triple Tonic
Cash Back
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Aphelios
NilahNilah's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Nilah gains increased experience from last-hitting minions along with the ability to enhance and share nearby healing and shielding from her allies.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4s | 26s | 0.5s | – |
| 6 | 4s | 26s | 0.5s | 1m50 |
| 9 | 4s | 25s | 0.5s | 1m50 |
| 11 | 4s | 24s | 0.5s | 1m35 |
| 16 | 4s | 22s | 0.5s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 4s | 22s | 0.5s | 1m20 |
Playing against Nilah
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Nilah's W blocks autos — switch to abilities or wait for the zone to expire.
Poke her at range: as a melee ADC, she's weak against ranged harassment.
Watch out for her XP advantage: she can hit level 6 before you and all-in with R.
Mage supports (Brand, Zyra) counter her because they don't rely on the autos that her W blocks.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 8, 2026