Nigerians in Europa League: Durosinmi’s Plzen, Dele-Bashiru’s Lazio, Dessers’ Rangers face tricky last-16 ties

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.

In the UEFA Conference League, Daniel Daga fresh from his penalty heroics in the playoffs, will aim to help Molde beat Polish side Legia Warszawa.

Other fixtures will see title favourites Chelsea face Danish giants FC Copenhagen while Real Betis have been drawn against Vitoria SC.

These round of 16 fixtures #UECLdraw | #UECL pic.twitter.com/mIqe2UlWvi

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) February 21, 2025

It is Jagielloina against Cercle Brugge, Celje versus Swiss side Ligano and Pafos to battle Djurgaden.

Panathinaikos and Fiorentina is already one of the most anticipated faceoffs while Borac against SK Rapid completes the last 16 fixtures.

Europa League matches

Bodo/Glimt vs Olympiacos
Fenerbache vs Rangers
Ajax vs Frankfurt
FCSB vs Lyon
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham
Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio
Roma vs Athletic Club

Conference League matches

Jagielloina vs Cercle Brugge
Molde vs Legia Warsaw
Celje vs Lugano
Pafos vs Djurgarden
Panathinaikos vs Fiorentina
Borac vs SK Rapid
Real Betis vs Vitoria SC
FC Copenhagen vs Chelsea