With the conclusion of the first phase of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, all is set for the play-off round, which will determine the teams advancing to the Round of 16.
A few Nigerian players will feature in the second phase of the qualifiers, while others have already secured their spots in the Round of 16 by virtue of their clubs finishing in the top eight of both competitions.
Victor Olatunji and Sparta Prague failed to progress to the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 or even the play-offs.
However, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen) alongside Etahn Nwaneri of Arsenal made it to the Round of 16, while Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) will compete in the play-offs.
Nigerians in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and Play-offs
In the Round of 16, Bayer Leverkusen, featuring Nigerian stars Boniface and Tella, will face Spanish giants Atlético Madrid for a place in the quarter-finals.
Youngster Ethan Nwaneri, who is eligible to play for Nigeria, will be part of the Arsenal side when they face Italian team Inter Milan in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman and Atalanta, who are in the play-offs, will go up against Club Brugge, which boasts Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika in their squad.
The winner of the Atalanta vs. Club Brugge clash will take on the victor of the Lille vs. Aston Villa tie in the Round of 16
Nigerians in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 and Play-offs
In the Round of 16, Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) will face his compatriot Bruno Onyemaechi, who recently joined Greek side Olympiacos.
Zaidu Sanusi and Porto will take on Roma in the play-offs, while Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will meet Athletic Bilbao in the Round of 16.
Chuba Akpom (Ajax) is set to face Belgian side Union St. Gilloise, whereas Rafiu Durosinmi and Viktoria Plzeň will battle Tosin Kehinde’s Ferencváros in the play-offs.
Victor Osimhen will lead Turkish giants Galatasaray against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the play-offs, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Fenerbahçe will take on Anderlecht also in the play-offs.
Dates for the UEFA Champions League and Europa League Knockout Rounds
- Knockout phase play-offs: 11/12 & 18/19 February 2025
- Round of 16: 4/5 & 11/12 March 2025
