Nigerian players Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika are set to face off in the Champions league playoffs as Atalanta were drawn to take on Club Brugge in a highly anticipated matchup.
The Champions League playoffs draw took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, at 12 noon Nigerian time. The ceremony revealed the matchups for the next stage of the competition, setting the stage for the thrilling journey to the final in Munich.
Atalanta missed out on automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16 after they drew 2-2 with Barcelona in their final league phase game. Meanwhile, despite a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, Club Brugge secured a spot in the Champions League playoffs, finishing 24th with 11 points.
The stage is now set for a thrilling encounter between Atalanta and Club Brugge in the Champions League playoffs, following the draw that took place on Friday. The two teams will face off in a bid to secure a spot in the competition’s round of 16, with the winner advancing to the next stage.
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Samuel Chukwueze is another Nigerian player to keep an eye on in the Champions League playoffs, with his AC Milan side set to compete against Dutch team, Feyenoord for a spot in the Round of 16.
AC Milan, who finished 13th in the league phase, will face Feyenoord, who finished 19th, in a two-legged playoff. The Italian giants will be looking to capitalize on their slightly better position to overcome the Dutch side and secure a spot in the next round.
Nigeria-eligible forward George Ilenikhena is also set to feature in the Champions League playoffs with his club Monaco, as they prepare to take on Portuguese powerhouse Benfica in a crucial two-legged tie.
George Ilenikhena, who is currently injured, will be eager to regain full fitness ahead of the playoffs, especially considering his impressive Champions League credentials in big games, which include scoring two crucial goals against Barcelona.
FULL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAYOFFS DRAW
Brest vs Paris Saint Germain
Club Brugge vs Atalanta
Manchester City vs Real Madrid
Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven
Monaco vs Benfica
Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund
Celtic vs Bayern Munich
Feyenoord vs AC Milan
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