Six Nigerian players will be in the spotlight when the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs get underway, following Friday morning’s draw at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.

The draw involved teams that finished between ninth and 24th in the league phase, with sides ranked 9–16 seeded against unseeded teams placed 17–24. The top eight teams had already secured automatic passage to the round of 16.

The play-offs will be decided over two legs, with first-leg fixtures scheduled for February 17 and 18, 2026, before the return matches on February 24 and 25.

Ademola Lookman and Atalanta face a stern test against German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, while Nathan Tella’s Bayer Leverkusen are set for an intriguing clash with Olympiacos, who parade Nigerian defender Bruno Onyemaechi.

Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray have been handed one of the toughest assignments of the round, drawing Italian giants Juventus. Raphael Onyedika will also be aiming to make his mark as Club Brugge come up against Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid.

There is further Nigerian interest in an all-French showdown, with teenage forward George Illenikhena and Monaco paired against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Elsewhere, Benfica and Real Madrid will renew their rivalry in another blockbuster encounter. Qarabag were drawn against Premier League side Newcastle United in their first-ever Champions League knockout appearance, while Norwegian outfit Bodø/Glimt will take on Inter Milan.

The eight winners from the knockout phase play-offs will progress to the round of 16, with the next draw scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026.

Full Knockout Phase Play-Off Fixtures

Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund

Bayer Leverkusen vs Olympiacos

Galatasaray vs Juventus

Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid

Monaco vs Paris Saint-Germain

Benfica vs Real Madrid

Qarabag vs Newcastle United

Bodø/Glimt vs Inter Milan