Several Nigerian stars remain in the Europa League as the last-16 draw, conducted on Friday, set up some intriguing matchups, Soccernet.ng reports.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Cyriel Dessers, Leon Balogun, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Rafiu Durosinmi will all be looking to help their clubs secure quarterfinal spots.
One of the standout fixtures sees Super Eagles teammates go head-to-head as Fenerbahce take on Rangers. José Mourinho’s side will rely on the defensive abilities of Osayi-Samuel, while the Scottish giants will count on striker Dessers and centre-back Balogun to make an impact.
Bruno Onyemaechi, yet to feature in the competition this season, could make his Europa League debut when Olympiacos face Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt.
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These round of 16 ties #UELdraw | #UEL pic.twitter.com/Nfm0ZxNrmF
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 21, 2025
Another Nigerian face-off looms as Viktoria Plzen battle Lazio. Plzen, spearheaded by Durosinmi, overcame Ferencváros in the playoffs, but Lazio will counter with their own Super Eagles star, Dele-Bashiru.
Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar — who eliminated Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray in the previous round — now face Premier League giants Tottenham.
READ MORE: Victor Osimhen knocked out of Galatasaray’s Europa League clash, Orkan Buruk mulls over replacement
Elsewhere, Ajax will take on Eintracht Frankfurt, AS Roma clash with Athletic Club, FCSB meet Lyon, and Manchester United lock horns with Real Sociedad in a blockbuster tie.
More details shortly.