Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen admits he dreaded a clash with Liverpool, but Galatasaray will take on the Premier League leaders after a shock league win earlier this season.

Days after admitting he would rather avoid Liverpool FC, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is set to face the Premier League leaders in the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

Following Galatasaray’s 7-5 aggregate victory over Juventus in the knockout phase play-offs, Osimhen had expressed his reservations.

“I mean, to be honest with you, meeting Liverpool now is going to be like some sort of revenge,” he said. “I would like to escape Liverpool. But if they come, yeah, we’re going to dig it out, but it’s not going to be easy.”

Friday's draw confirmed his fears, giving Galatasaray a last-16 tie against Liverpool.

The two sides have already met this season, with Osimhen scoring the only goal in a shock 1-0 Galatasaray victory in September.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the challenge ahead.

“We know in the away leg we will have to perform better than the last time we were in Istanbul back in September,” Slot said. “But the main feeling is excitement because this is what we worked so hard for in the league stage.”

The first-leg matches are scheduled for March 10 and 11, with return fixtures on March 17 and 18.