The UEFA Champions League draws were held on Friday, and the remaining contenders in the round of 16 now know their respective paths to the quarterfinals.
Nigeria still boasts three representatives in the competition: Victor Osimhen with Galatasaray, Ademola Lookman with Atletico Madrid, and Nathan Tella with Bayer Leverkusen.
While all the Nigerians left expected formidable opponents, Osimhen and Tella appear to have drawn the toughest assignments of the group.
In the confirmed fixtures, Osimhen and his Galatasaray teammates will face Liverpool. Interestingly, the Nigerian striker mentioned just on Wednesday that he hoped to avoid the Reds; however, he must now prepare for a high-stakes battle against the Premier League giants.
Both teams already met this season at Rams Park, and it was the Cimbom that ran out with a shocking 1-0 victory, courtesy of an Osimhen striker. Galatasaray will be looking to repeat that feat again.
Ademola Lookman, meanwhile, seems to have a more favorable path as Atletico Madrid prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur.
The London side has struggled significantly this season, surprisingly finding themselves in a domestic relegation battle. Lookman and his side will undoubtedly look to capitalize on Spurs' current lack of form.
The confirmed round of 16 draw ✅#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/PVhNIIZngZ
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 27, 2026
For Nathan Tella, Bayer Leverkusen will trade tackles with English giants Arsenal. This presents a massive challenge for Die Werkself, as the Gunners are arguably the best team in the world at the moment. Tella and his teammates will need to perform at their absolute peak to secure a result over the two legs.
The Other Draws…
In the other draws, Spanish giants Barcelona will play Newcastle United, Champions PSG will take on Chelsea, Real Madrid face Manchester City, Atalanta trade tackles with Bayern Munich, and surprise packages Bodo Glimt will square up against Sporting CP.
When Will The Champions League R16 Commence?
The 2025/26 Champions League round of 16 matches will be played between March 10 and March 17. It will be home and away fixtures without the away goals rule.
All the teams that win on aggregate will progress to the quarterfinals of the competition.
