By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 18, 2026

Five Nigerians are involved as the race for a place in the round of 16 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League heats up. Abiodun Adewale spotlights Nigerian stars set to face one another in the play-offs

Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid)

Lookman was still an Atalanta player when he first appeared on the list of Nigerians set for the knockout play-offs. Three weeks later, he plies his trade with Spanish giants Atlético Madrid and has quickly settled in.

The 28-year-old has scored two goals and provided two assists in four appearances for Atlético this season. He will hope for another memorable outing as Atlético travel to Belgium to face Club Brugge on Wednesday.

Lookman also has a history with Brugge. He missed a decisive penalty for Atalanta at this stage of last season’s competition — a moment that ended their run and intensified tensions that eventually led to his exit from the Italian club.

After recovering from an injury at the start of the season, Onyedika has been a key figure for Club Brugge, missing only six matches across all competitions — five due to national team commitments during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Since the qualifiers, he has featured in nine Champions League matches this season, contributing one goal and one assist.

Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen)

Tella’s involvement in the Champions League group stage was limited by injury, although Bayer Leverkusen progressed despite his absence. The winger featured in just two matches, both as a substitute, accumulating 29 minutes in total.

He remains sidelined and will hope his side advance against Olympiacos as he continues his recovery.

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos)

Onyemaechi played a quiet but important role in Olympiacos’ qualification, which was sealed with a narrow victory over Ajax. The Greek champions finished 18th with 11 points — one ahead of both Galatasaray and Club Brugge.

Now drawn against Bayer Leverkusen, the left-back will aim to build on his three appearances in the competition this season.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 18, 2026

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