Nigerian internationals Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika will be in the spotlight after discovering their opponents in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 play-offs.
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Victor Osimhen, who now plays for Turkish giants Galatasaray, faces a stern test as his side have been drawn against Italian heavyweights Juventus.
The Super Eagles striker will be crucial to Galatasaray’s hopes of navigating the two-legged tie and securing a place in the last 16.
Ademola Lookman is set for a high-profile showdown with Borussia Dortmund after Atalanta were paired with the Bundesliga side.
The Nigerian forward has been one of Atalanta’s key attacking outlets this season and will be expected to play a decisive role in the tie.
Raphael Onyedika and Club Brugge also face a tough challenge after being drawn against Atletico Madrid.
The Belgian champions will need a disciplined performance against the experienced Spanish outfit, with Onyendika’s presence in midfield likely to be vital.
Elsewhere, defending European heavyweights Real Madrid will renew hostilities with Benfica, while Newcastle United have been drawn against Qarabag. Paris Saint-Germain will take on Ligue 1 rivals Monaco in an all-French encounter.
The play-offs involve clubs that finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase standings. First-leg matches are scheduled for February 17–18, with the return legs to be played a week later.
The 2025–26 Champions League final will take place at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on May 30.
Fixtures at a Glance
Bodo/Glimt vs Inter Milan
Benfica vs Real Madrid
Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain
Qarabag vs Newcastle United
Galatasaray vs Juventus
Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta
Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen
With three Nigerian stars involved at this stage, football fans in Nigeria will be keenly following the action as Osimhen, Lookman and Onyedika battle for a place in the Champions League last 16.
