Six Nigerian players will be in the spotlight in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs after Friday morning’s draw at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.
The draw featured the teams that finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase, with clubs ranked 9–16 seeded and those placed 17–24 unseeded. The top eight sides in the standings secured automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Action in the play-offs is set to begin with the first leg fixtures scheduled for February 17 and 18, 2026, before the decisive return legs take place on February 24 and 25.
Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta have been handed a difficult test against German giants Borussia Dortmund, while Nathan Tella’s Bayer Leverkusen will come up against Bruno Onyemaechi and Olympiacos in what promises to be a fascinating contest.
More Read
Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray face one of the toughest ties of the round, drawing Italian heavyweights Juventus, while Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge have also been given a major challenge against Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
There will also be Nigerian representation in an all-French showdown, with teenage forward George Illenikhena and Monaco drawn against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Elsewhere, Benfica and Real Madrid will meet again in another blockbuster tie, Qarabag were drawn against Premier League side Newcastle for their first-ever Champions League knockout game while Norwegian outfit Bodø/Glimt will take on Inter Milan.
The eight winners from the knockout phase play-offs will advance to the round of 16, with the next draw scheduled for Friday, 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
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
