Bruno Onyemaechi has credited his Olympiakos teammate Francisco Ortega for helping him neutralize AEK Athens winger Niclas Eliasson during their emphatic 6-0 victory in the Greek Cup semifinal on Wednesday, February 26.
The Nigerian defender played a key role in Olympiakos’ dominant display at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, ensuring AEK’s attacking threats were nullified.
Speaking after the game, Onyemaechi revealed how a pre-match conversation with Ortega influenced his approach to handling the Swedish winger.
“We had spoken with Ortega and he gave me advice. We know he is a strong player. I followed Ortega’s advice and it helped me a lot,” Onyemaechi told Cosmote TV via Gazzetta Greece.
The 25-year-old, who joined Olympiakos from Portuguese side Boavista in the January transfer window, displayed defensive discipline and awareness, limiting AEK’s attacking opportunities.
His solid performance contributed to Olympiakos’ ruthless dismantling of their opponents.
Onyemaechi also highlighted how head coach José Luis Mendilibar’s words motivated the team to take an unassailable advantage in the first leg.
“Our coach told us to be focused, to forget about the next match and to finish qualifying today. That was the motivation,” he said.
With Mendilibar’s side still in contention for silverware both domestically and in Europe, Olympiakos will look to maintain their momentum as they aim for further success this season.
Onyemaechi will also hope to make the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March, as newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle prepares to announce his first list.
Nigeria will be desperate to turn around their campaign and revive their qualification hopes after a slow start.
With the stakes higher than ever, Onyemaechi’s performances for Olympiakos could play a crucial role in determining whether he gets a call-up for the crucial fixtures.
If he maintains his current level, he could provide Chelle with another defensive option as the Super Eagles seek redemption on the road to the World Cup.
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