The UEFA Champions League last-16 draw has set up several mouthwatering clashes, with some of Europe’s biggest teams going head-to-head, Footynaija.com reports.
The draw also mapped out the path for Nigerian stars Raphael Onyedika, Chuba Akpom, Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Ethan Nwaneri as they chase European glory.
Onyedika played a key role in Club Brugge’s stunning playoff victory over Europa League champions Atalanta. His reward? A showdown against Aston Villa, who return to the Champions League knockouts for the first time since 1983.
New Lille signing Chuba Akpom is set for a fascinating tie against Borussia Dortmund, where he could face fellow Anglo-Nigerian Carney Chukwuemeka.
Arsenal’s teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri, expected to play a more significant role in Bukayo Saka’s absence, will prepare for a test against PSV Eindhoven, who dumped Juventus out of the competition.
The road to Munich is set.#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/M2ChMOgR8u
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 21, 2025
Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen’s Nigerian duo—Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella—face a massive challenge against Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, while Champions League holders Real Madrid will lock horns with city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid, fresh from eliminating Manchester City 6-3 on aggregate, meet Diego Simeone’s Atletico—familiar foes whom they famously defeated in the 2014 and 2016 finals.
Madrid derby in the round of 16 #UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/k9SIdIOOiO
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 21, 2025
Other standout ties include Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool, Benfica vs. Barcelona, and last year’s runners-up Inter Milan against Feyenoord.
With the road to Wembley taking shape, Nigeria’s UCL hopefuls now know the battles that await.
Champions League Last-16 Fixtures:
Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool
Club Brugge vs Aston Villa
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
PSV Eindhoven vs Arsenal
Benfica vs Barcelona
Borussia Dortmund vs Lille
Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen
Feyenoord vs Inter Milan
(Second team plays the return leg at home.)
Champions League Quarter-Final Paths:
QF1: PSG/Liverpool vs Brugge/Villa
QF2: PSV/Arsenal vs Real/Atletico
QF3: Benfica/Barcelona vs Dortmund/Lille
QF4: Bayern/Leverkusen vs Feyenoord/Inter
