EAGLES STARS CLASH IN EUROPA ROUND OF 32


Seven Nigerian stars will square up against each other in the round of 32 of the Europa League billed to resume February 2020.

A total of 15 Nigerian players will be playing in the round of 32 of the competition.

They include Victor Osimhen (Napoli), Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester), Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey (Rangers) and Leke James (Molde).

Others are Kevin Akpoguma (Hoffenheim), Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal), Ramon Azeez (Granada), Folarin Balogun (Arsenal), Peter Olayinka (Slavia Prague) David Okereke, Dennis Emmanuel (Brugge) and Odion Ighalo (Man United).

The draw for the round was conducted on Monday with Leicester City duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho set for a potential faceoff against Peter Olayinka’s Slavia Prague.

Forward Olayinka has had an impressive performance in the competition, scoring twice in five appearances, while Iheanacho has scored three goals in six appearances for the Foxes.

In another fixture, Victor Osimhen’s Napoli will be hoping to book a spot to the round of 16 when they take on Ramon Azeez’s Granada. Napoli manager, Gennaro Gattuso, has termed the fixture a tough one. “Difficult draw. Granada are a great team – it will be tough for us,” he said.

Leke James, who failed to score in the group stage, will be hoping to grab his first goal for Norweigian side, Molde, when they play against defender Kevin Akpoguma’s Hoffenheim.

The first legs of the matches will take place on February 18, with the return legs on February 25.

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