By Francesca Hangeior

UEFA has answered the burning questions on how the standings in the new 36-team league phase of the Champions League will be determined, especially when teams finish with the same number of points.

In a detailed Thursday release titled “Champions League League Phase Standings: How Teams Level on Points Are Separated,” UEFA outlined the criteria for deciding which clubs qualify, face play-offs, or face elimination.

Notably, this season introduces a major shift from the traditional group stage to a league format, where each team plays eight matches, ranked in a single table.

The top eight teams will automatically secure a spot in the Round of 16, while those finishing 9th to 24th will battle it out in play-offs.

Teams ranked 25th to 36th will be eliminated from the competition.

But what happens if teams finish level on points?
UEFA provided a detailed breakdown of tie-breaker criteria, ranging from goal difference and goals scored to more intricate factors like away wins and disciplinary records.

Even if all else fails, an alphabetical ranking based on abbreviated team names will determine their fate.

As football fans worldwide gear up for the drama of the league phase, UEFA’s guidelines ensure transparency and clarity in the quest for European glory.

According to reports that UCL match day three is scheduled for October 22 and 23, 2024 respectively.

“In the new league phase of the UEFA Champions League, 36 clubs are participating in a single league competition in which all 36 competing clubs are ranked together.

“The clubs ranked one to eight at the end of the eight-game league phase qualify for the round of 16. The clubs ranked nine to 24 qualify for the knockout phase play-offs. The clubs ranked 25 to 36 are eliminated,” the release read.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria’s U17 Women’s National Football Team, the Flamingos, for their impressive 4-1 victory over New Zealand in the opening match of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

In a statement following the match, Minister Enoh praised the team for their outstanding performance, showcasing remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

“The Flamingos have made Nigeria proud with this fantastic victory. Their exceptional play reflects the immense talent and potential of our young female athletes,” he stated.

The Minister also commended the efforts of the coaching staff and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in developing women’s football in the country.

“This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the team’s preparation. It is essential that we continue to support and invest in women’s sports to foster their growth and success,” he added.

As the tournament progressed, Minister Enoh encouraged all Nigerians to rally behind the Flamingos, emphasizing the significance of unity and support for the team. “Let us come together as a nation to support our girls as they pursue victory and represent Nigeria on the global stage,” he said.

The Minister concluded by wishing the Flamingos continued success in their upcoming matches, expressing confidence in their ability to advance further in the tournament.

The Flamingos of Nigeria took the lead after two minutes at the CFC Stadium in Santiago De Los Caballeros and had extended the margin to 3-0 within half an hour.

Overall, New Zealand was outplayed in terms of possession, territory, and shots on goal.

Nigeria, who picked the bronze medal at the last FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India. Harmony Chidi set up Shakirat Moshood for the game’s opening goal.

Khadijat Adegoke, in the 13th minute, gave a second goal when she smashed home a shot that slipped through the hands of New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Neary.

Faridat Abdulwahab scored the third goal from outside the New Zealand penalty area.

Nigeria scored their fourth goal early in the second half when Adegoke crossed for midfielder Taiwo Afolabi to head into the net.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Super Eagles to gear up for a rematch against Libya, following the team’s harrowing experience at a Libyan airport last Sunday.

The Nigerian players and officials were stranded for hours, denied food and internet access, ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights.

In a statement on his X handle, Obi expressed sympathy for the team’s ordeal and commended their patriotism and patience in the face of unfair treatment.

He encouraged the players not to let the experience dampen their spirits, but rather recharge their determination to win the match and qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON.

The statement reads: Like every other patriotic Nigerian, I sincerely sympathize with our dear Super Eagles over their ordeal in Libya on their way to play the Morocco 2025 AFCON Qualifier return leg match, which was later delisted by CAF following the players’ decision not to play the match.

The neglect and abandonment they and their officials suffered at a remote Libyan airport is highly regrettable and justifies their alternative decision of returning home.

While we await the outcome of an investigation ordered by CAF, I wish to use this opportunity to commend the players for their patriotism, patience, and forbearance in the face of the unfair treatment by our Libyan brothers.

I appeal to them not to allow this sad experience dampen their zeal or break their spirit.

On the other hand, it should recharge their determination to fight to win the match whenever it takes place, to qualify for the Morocco 2025 AFCON, and, to win the championship.

In times like this, when Nigerians are left dejected by the sorry state of affairs in the country, every victory by the Super Eagles would not only serve to unite the country but also give Nigerians something to celebrate.

The sad experience of our national team in Libya should encourage all of us to work hard to bring more respect and dignity to our nation.

With the right leadership in place, Nigeria surely will rise again. Indeed, a new Nigeria is POssible.