It was a contrasting night for Nigerian stars in the UEFA Champions League, as Victor Osimhen and Galatasaray SK suffered elimination, while Ademola Lookman progressed to the quarter-finals with Atlético Madrid.
READ ALSO: Bamidele Yusuf, Ferencvárosi TC Suffer Europa League Heartbreak Against SC Braga
Osimhen, Galatasaray Outclassed at Anfield
At Anfield, Liverpool FC delivered a dominant performance to seal a 4–0 victory (4–1 aggregate) over Galatasaray.
The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute through Dominik Szoboszlai, who finished from an assist by Alexis Mac Allister. Galatasaray’s woes deepened just before halftime when Ismail Jakobs conceded a penalty after fouling Szoboszlai, although Mohamed Salah failed to convert from the spot.
Osimhen’s night ended early, as he was withdrawn at halftime for Leroy Sané in a tactical switch. Liverpool quickly tightened their grip on the tie after the restart, with Hugo Ekitiké making it 2–0 in the 51st minute, before Ryan Gravenberch added a third just two minutes later.
A potential own goal from Wilfried Singo was ruled out by VAR, but Florian Wirtz later set up Salah to complete the rout and confirm Liverpool’s progression.
Galatasaray will now shift focus back to domestic action, with a key Süper Lig clash against Trabzonspor on April 5.
Lookman Shines as Atlético Progress
Elsewhere, Ademola Lookman played a key role as Atlético Madrid advanced despite a 3–2 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur FC, progressing 7–5 on aggregate.
Tottenham had taken the lead in the 30th minute through Randal Kolo Muani, but Lookman responded early in the second half, providing the assist for Julián Álvarez to equalise in the 47th minute.
A brace from Xavi Simons ensured a spirited performance from Spurs, but it was not enough to overturn Atlético’s commanding first-leg advantage, as Diego Simeone’s side progressed to the last eight.
A mixed European outing for Nigeria’s top talents—disappointment for Osimhen, but a step closer to glory for Lookman.
