Sylvester Igbonu is not expecting FC Midtjylland to wave goodbye to the Europa League in the play - off round after the Danish side were paired with 20 - time champions of Greece, Panathinaikos, in the draw that took place on Friday afternoon.

The Wolves, who have as many as six Nigerian players in their first team, qualified for the competition by finishing second in the Danish Superliga last term.

“First I will say the draw was a good one for us despite knowing that we are playing against Panathinaikos, which we knew they are a good side and a strong team with lots of experience in Europe.

“But for us it is going to be a challenge and we are so ready for it because we believe in ourselves. It is a game we have been looking forward to play ever since we qualified for the play offs,” Igbonu told allnigeriasoccer.com.

He continued : “We will travel to Greece for the first leg and hope we get a result or at least get a point and get ready for the second leg in our home ground, where we know we are going to get the full support from our fans.”

“Panathinaikos might look the favorites but we are here to show and prove what we are capable of doing and make sure we come out good.”

Panathinaikos will host the first leg tie on August 21 while the reverse fixture will take place a week after.