Six Nigerian footballers will take centre stage in February after the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off draw produced a series of demanding fixtures for their clubs, footynaija.com reports.
The draw, conducted on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, involved teams that finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase of the competition. Sides ranked ninth to 16th were seeded, while those placed 17th to 24th were unseeded, with the top eight teams already assured of a place in the last 16.
The two-legged play-off ties will be contested on February 17 and 18, with the return fixtures scheduled for February 24 and 25, as clubs battle for the final eight places in the round of 16.
Among the standout ties involving Super Eagles stars is Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta meeting Borussia Dortmund, a clash that pairs the one-time Europa League winners with one of Germany’s most experienced Champions League sides.
Nathan Tella is also set for a demanding test, as Bayer Leverkusen face Olympiacos, who feature fellow Nigerian Bruno Onyemaechi.
Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray have arguably one of the most eye-catching fixtures of the round, having been drawn against Italian giants Juventus.
Elsewhere, Raphael Onyedika and Club Brugge will need to overcome Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid to extend their European campaign.
There is also Nigerian interest in an all-French showdown, with teenage striker George Illenikhena and Monaco set to face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a fiercely contested tie.
Away from Nigerian involvement, the draw also produced several high-profile encounters, including Benfica versus Real Madrid, while Qarabag will take on Newcastle in their first-ever Champions League knockout tie. Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt were paired with Inter Milan.
The eight winners from the play-offs will progress to the round of 16, with the next draw scheduled for February 27, 2026.
Full Knockout Phase Play-off Fixtures
Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund
Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos
Galatasaray vs Juventus
Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Qarabag vs Newcastle
Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan
Champions League play-offs: Osimhen, Lookman face European heavyweights
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