Nigeria’s remaining representatives in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) have discovered their round-of-16 opponents following Friday’s draw.
Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray will take on Liverpool in one of the standout ties of the round, while Ademola Lookman’s Atletico Madrid have been paired with Tottenham Hotspur.
Nathan Tella and Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, face a formidable challenge against Arsenal.
Osimhen’s meeting with Liverpool carries added intrigue. The Turkish champions defeated the Premier League side 1-0 in the group phase earlier this season in Istanbul, with the Nigeria forward scoring the decisive goal.
Osimhen converted from the spot against Liverpool. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The striker had recently admitted he hoped to avoid the English club in the knockout stages, but will now prepare for a two-legged contest against one of Europe’s most experienced sides.
Liverpool’s pedigree in the competition ensures Galatasaray will enter the tie as underdogs, although their earlier victory may provide belief heading into the rematch.
Lookman’s Atletico Madrid appear to have been handed a comparatively favourable tie on paper.
Tottenham have endured an inconsistent domestic campaign and are battling to regain stability, but their European pedigree and attacking quality mean Diego Simeone’s side are unlikely to underestimate them.
Lookman. Photo Credit: Imago
Atletico’s defensive structure and knockout-stage experience could prove decisive over two legs.
Tella faces Arsenal test
For Tella, the task may be the most demanding of the trio. Arsenal have been among Europe’s most consistent performers this season and are considered genuine contenders for the title.
Leverkusen’s high-tempo approach has earned praise across the continent, but overcoming Arsenal across home and away fixtures will require clinical execution.
Tella. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Elsewhere in the draw, Barcelona face Newcastle United, defending champions Paris Saint-Germain meet Chelsea, and Real Madrid take on Manchester City in a repeat of recent high-profile encounters.
READ MORE:nff-sets-record-straight-on-status-of-ex-arsenal-goalkeeper-okonkwo
In the remaining fixtures, Atalanta play Bayern Munich, while Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt meet Sporting CP.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The first legs of the round-of-16 ties will be played between 10 and 17 March. Matches will be decided on aggregate score, with the away goals rule no longer in use.
