AFCON 2025
Ademola Lookman delivered another major European moment on Tuesday night, scoring in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final and reinforcing his growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential forwards on the continental stage.
The forward struck for Atletico Madrid in their clash against Barcelona, a match defined by its intensity. Lookman’s goal proved decisive in shaping the contest and once again showed his ability to produce in elite knockout fixtures.
Beyond the immediate impact of the strike, the goal carries significant historical weight for Nigerian football in Europe’s premier club competition. Lookman now has 8 UEFA Champions League goals, placing him third on Nigeria’s all-time scoring list in the competition.
He sits behind only Victor Osimhen, who leads with 16 goals, and Obafemi Martins, who has 9.
The latest milestone also places him in an exclusive group of Nigerians who have scored in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final, a stage where only a select few from the country have made an impact.
Nigerians to score in a UEFA Champions League quarter-final match include: Obafemi Martins (Inter Milan vs Villarreal, 2006); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal vs Bayern Munich, 2022); Victor Osimhen (Napoli vs AC Milan, 2023); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid vs Barcelona, 2026).
With this latest achievement, Lookman continues to strengthen his status as one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers in Europe’s biggest club competition, particularly in high-pressure knockout matches where reputation is built. And gradually putting his name yet again for the African best consideration.
