Super Eagles set to clash in Europe

Two Nigerians will be on opposite sides in the UEFA Champions League playoff round after Cyriel Dessers’ Rangers and Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge secured hard-fought qualifications.

Both sides overcame intense second-leg challenges to keep their dreams of reaching the group stage alive.

Rangers booked their place in the playoff round despite suffering a second-leg 2-1 defeat away to Viktoria Plzeň, thanks to a comprehensive 3-0 first-leg win.

The Scottish side, under Russell Martin, were second best for most of the match but held out until the 41st minute when Rafiu Durosinmi tapped home after brilliant work from Amar Memic.

The pressure mounted in the second half, yet a quick response from Rangers saw Lyall Cameron bundle in a crucial goal to halt Plzeň’s comeback momentum.

Svetozar Markovic’s late header set up a frantic finish, but the hosts could not find the third goal needed, despite registering 27 shots. Rangers will now meet Club Brugge for a place in the UCL group stage.

In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge faced a daunting task after RB Salzburg overturned their first-leg deficit to lead 2-0 before halftime.

Goals from Jacob Rasmussen and Edmund Baidoo had the Austrians in control, but Brugge’s response in the second half was emphatic.

Kyriani Sabbe’s assist for Joaquin Seys sparked hope before Carlos Forbs produced a stunning solo goal to turn the tie on its head.

Hans Vanaken sealed the comeback with a late strike, securing a 3-2 win on the night and a 4-2 aggregate triumph.

That victory not only ended Salzburg’s six-year streak in the UCL main draw but also set up a high-stakes showdown with Rangers and a fascinating Nigerian battle between Onyedika and Dessers.