Ademola Lookman of Atalanta and Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge will go head-to-head in the upcoming UEFA Champions League play-offs after both their teams were drawn to meet in this exciting knockout phase.
The draw, which took place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday, has set up an intriguing battle between the two Nigerian players.
Atalanta earned their spot in the play-offs with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
However, Lookman was sidelined for the thrilling encounter due to a knee injury, preventing him from playing a part in the crucial draw.
Meanwhile, Club Brugge secured their place in the knockout round despite a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Onyedika was among the standout performers for his side, scoring their only goal in the loss, showcasing his determination and ability on the big stage.
The first leg of this highly anticipated play-off will be held on 11 and 12 February, with the return legs scheduled for the following week.
The eight winners from the play-offs will then join the teams that finished top of their respective groups in the Champions League round of 16, where the competition will continue in a knockout format until the final.
For Lookman and Onyedika, this Champions League clash represents a major moment in their respective careers, and their individual performances could be crucial in determining which team progresses to the next stage of Europe’s premier club competition.
