Greek champions Olympiacos have reinforced their belief in Nigerian defender Bruno Onyemaechi by including him in their UEFA Europa League squad for the knockout rounds.
Onyemaechi joined Olympiacos from Portuguese club Boavista in January for €2.5 million, and the club has wasted no time in integrating him into their European campaign.
According to CNN Portugal, Olympiacos registered Onyemaechi while removing experienced midfielder Sérgio Oliveira, who has been linked with a move away from the club. Brazilian winger Willian, who has joined Fulham, and Theofanis Bakoulas were also left out of the updated squad.
Olympiacos have already secured a place in the Europa League round of 16 and will be looking to build on their continental success after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League last season by defeating Fiorentina in the final.
Onyemaechi Prepares for His European Debut
If Onyemaechi makes an appearance in the Europa League, it will be his first-ever outing in a European club competition.
Onyemaechi during his official unveiling and contract signing at Olympiacos
The Nigerian fullback previously played for Portuguese clubs Feirense, Vila Real, and Boavista, none of which have competed on the European stage. Now, he has the opportunity to test himself against some of the best teams in the competition.
Onyemaechi came close to lifting his first major silverware at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria reached the final but fell to hosts Côte d’Ivoire despite an early lead.
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However, Olympiacos could provide him with another shot at glory, as they currently lead the Greek Super League by four points ahead of AEK Athens.
The club is the most successful in Greek football history, with 47 league titles, their last triumph coming in 2022.
Onyemaechi could also make his Greek Super League debut this Sunday when Olympiacos host Asteras Tripolis at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskáki in Piraeus.