Nigeria defender Bruno Onyemaechi. Photo by IMAGO
Nigeria international Bruno Onyemaechi has received a vote of confidence from Greek giants Olympiacos ahead of the second half of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.
To underline their belief in the Super Eagles defender, Olympiacos have registered Onyemaechi for the UEFA Europa League.
Olympiacos signed Bruno Onyemaechi from Portuguese side Boavista in January for €2.5 million.
According to CNN Portugal, Olympiacos submitted Onyemaechi’s name for Europe’s second-tier club competition while removing Sérgio Oliveira—a former FC Porto, Paços de Ferreira, and Beira-Mar player—who has been linked with a departure from the club.
Brazilian winger Willian, who has joined Fulham, and Theofanis Bakoulas were also removed from the UEFA squad list.
Olympiacos have qualified directly for the Europa League round of 16 and are aiming for another strong European campaign.
When Onyemaechi makes his Europa League debut, it will mark his first-ever appearance in continental competition.
The Nigerian fullback has previously played for Portuguese clubs Feirense, Vila Real, and Boavista, none of which have featured in European tournaments.
Olympiacos have an outside chance of winning the Europa League, having already proven their pedigree in continental football by clinching the UEFA Europa Conference League title last season, defeating Fiorentina in the final.
Onyemaechi is yet to lift a major trophy in his career.
He came close last year as part of the Super Eagles squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. Nigeria reached the final but suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the hosts despite taking the lead in the first half. Onyemaechi had to settle for a silver medal when gold was agonizingly within reach.
However, Olympiacos could offer the Nigerian defender his first winner’s medal this season. The Red and Whites currently top the Greek Super League, sitting four points ahead of AEK Athens.
Olympiacos remain the most successful club in Greek football history, having won the domestic league a record 47 times—their last triumph coming in 2022.
Onyemaechi could make his Super League debut on Sunday when Olympiacos host Asteras Tripolis at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskáki in Piraeus.
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