AFCON 2025
It was a night of high drama for Nigeria’s Super Eagles stars in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
While Victor Osimhen inspired Galatasaray to a narrow 1–0 victory over Liverpool, Ademola Lookman was part of a dominant Atlético Madrid side that dismantled Tottenham Hotspur 5–2 in the Spanish capital.
Osimhen Denied by VAR in Galatasaray Triumph
Victor Osimhen was the central figure at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex as Galatasaray secured a massive first-leg advantage. Though the Nigerian striker did not get his name on the scoresheet, his presence was decisive.
Early in the first half, Osimhen provided a crucial headed knock-down from a corner, allowing Mario Lemina to head home the only goal of the game.
Osimhen thought he had doubled the lead later in the match when he slammed a finish past the Liverpool goalkeeper after a defensive error. However, his celebrations were cut short by a VAR review, which ruled out the goal for an offside against Baris Alper Yilmaz in the build-up.
Despite missing two clear first-half chances, Osimhen’s relentless pressure proved vital in securing the win.
Lookman Involved as Atleti Crush Spurs
At the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Ademola Lookman and Atlético Madrid put one foot in the quarter-finals with a high-scoring 5–2 demolition of Tottenham.
Lookman, who recently joined the Spanish side, was a constant threat on the left wing. He came close to scoring in the 32nd minute, only to see his low shot saved by the Tottenham goalkeeper.
While goals from Antoine Griezmann and Julián Alvarez stole the headlines, Lookman’s creative movement helped stretch a struggling Spurs defense throughout the night. The convincing victory leaves the London club with a mountain to climb in the return leg.
Both players now look forward to the return legs on March 18th as they aim to lead their respective clubs into the final eight.
