The Europa League round of 16 draw has set the stage for some thrilling encounters, with several African stars poised to play key roles as their clubs battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
The draw, held on Friday, February 21, 2025, has thrown up intriguing fixtures, with African talents spread across the competition, each hoping to guide their team deeper into the tournament.
Olympiakos, spearheaded by Moroccan forward Ayoub El Kaabi, will take on Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt, where Congolese-origin full-back Brice Wembangomo has been a key figure. The tie promises a well-balanced contest, with both teams eager to make their mark in Europe’s second-tier competition.
Meanwhile, French side Olympique Lyonnais will look to reignite their European ambitions when they face Romanian giants Steaua Bucharest.
The clash will see Lyon’s attack test the defensive resilience of South African centre-back Siyabonga Ngezana, who has been a standout performer for the Bucharest side this season.
Premier League Giants Face Tricky Opponents
Tottenham Hotspur, led by Senegalese midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, will once again lock horns with AZ Alkmaar after already facing the Dutch side in the group stage.
AZ will rely on the creativity of Dutch-Ghanaian talent Ernest Poku as they aim to reverse previous results and pull off an upset against the North London club.
Manchester United, with Cameroonian international André Onana guarding the posts, have been drawn against Real Sociedad.
The Spanish side will be bolstered by Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd, whose experience will be vital in countering United’s attacking threats.
This fixture promises high drama as both teams eye a deep run in the tournament.
African Stars in Spotlight Across Europe
Viktoria Plzeň has been one of the surprises of this Europa League campaign, and the Czech side will look to continue their impressive run when they meet Lazio.
Plzeň’s hopes rest on the shoulders of their African contingent, including Nigerian forward Rafiu Durosinmi, Ghanaian midfielder Prince Kwabena Adu, and Liberian defender Sampson Dweh.
In another enticing matchup, AS Roma will square off against Athletic Bilbao. Roma’s Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka has been a rock at the back and will need to be at his best against the attacking threat posed by the Basque side.
Ajax Amsterdam, with Burkinabe winger Bertrand Traoré leading their frontline, will face German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Dutch giants will need Traoré’s flair and experience as they go head-to-head with Frankfurt’s Algerian playmaker Farès Chaïbi, who has been instrumental for the Bundesliga club this season.
Europa League Round of 16 Fixtures:
- Bodo/Glimt vs Olympiakos
- Fenerbahçe vs Glasgow Rangers
- Ajax Amsterdam vs Eintracht Frankfurt
- Steaua Bucharest vs Olympique Lyonnais
- AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
- Viktoria Plzeň vs Lazio
- AS Roma vs Athletic Bilbao
Key Dates to Remember:
Round of 16:
- First Leg – March 6
- Second Leg – March 13
Quarter-Finals:
- First Leg – April 9
- Second Leg – April 17
Semi-Finals:
- First Leg – April 30
- Second Leg – May 8
Final:
- May 21
With African stars featuring prominently in nearly every tie, the round of 16 promises high-intensity football and the chance for players from the continent to further cement their legacy in European football. Fans across the globe will be watching closely as the road to the Europa League final heats up.
