Spread the wordSeveral Nigerian players, including Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, have secured places in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs following the conclusion of the league phase on Wednesday. Osimhen’s Galatasaray reached the play-offs despite a 2–0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Bruno Onyemaechi was among the Nigerians to advance after Olympiacos claimed a 2–1 away victory over Ajax, finishing 18th in the league phase, while Ajax were eliminated after ending in 32nd place. Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta qualified despite a narrow 1–0 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise, finishing 15th, while Union were eliminated. The draw for the Champions League knockout phase play-offs is scheduled for Friday, 30 January 2026, at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.