Three Super Eagles stars are still battling in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 after a dramatic set of first-leg results on March 10–11, 2026.
Victor Osimhen delivered a record-breaking performance to help Galatasaray take a slim lead over Liverpool, Ademola Lookman played a key creative role as Atlético Madrid hammered Tottenham 5-2, while teenage defender Honest Ahanor gained vital experience in Atalanta’s heavy 1-6 defeat to Bayern Munich.
Here’s the full analysis of their latest outings and season stats.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Galatasaray 1–0 Liverpool: Osimhen Powers UCL First-Leg Victory | Credit: BangBet Tanzania Sports Betting & Casino News
Osimhen was the standout Nigerian. He provided the decisive assist for Mario Lemina’s 7th-minute header from a corner — the only goal of the match. Despite having a second-half strike ruled out for offside, the 27-year-old dominated aerially with 6 shots and constant pressure.
Season UCL Stats (9 matches):
7 goals + 3 assists = 10 goal involvements (new all-time Nigerian single-season record)
Victor Osimhen sure Galatasaray ‘can hurt’ Liverpool at Anfield as star striker glows after first-leg victory in Champions League clash | Goal.com
Galatasaray take a 1-0 advantage to Anfield on March 18.
Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid) – Atlético Madrid 5-2 Tottenham
UCL: Lookman Assists as Sorloth Hat-Trick Fires Atletico Madrid into Last 16
Lookman was instrumental in the early chaos. He won the ball after Tottenham keeper Antonin Kinsky’s slip in the 6th minute and set up Marcos Llorente for the opener. The Nigerian contributed 2 key passes in 69 minutes before being substituted.
Season UCL Stats (10 matches):
2 goals + 3 assists
Atlético now hold a commanding 5-2 lead heading to London.
Honest Ahanor (Atalanta) – Atalanta 1-6 Bayern Munich
Honest Ahanor: Nigeria hold advantage but Italy can beat Super Eagles to Atalanta gem next year – Soccernet NG
The 18-year-old centre-back came on as a 54th-minute substitute and showed composure despite the rout. He won several duels and maintained high passing accuracy in a difficult evening against Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise.
Season UCL Stats (8 matches):
96.75% passing accuracy, 24 balls recovered
Honest Ahanor: Nigeria hold advantage but Italy can beat Super Eagles to Atalanta gem next year – Soccernet NG
Atalanta face an uphill task in Munich next week.
Outlook for the Second Legs
- Osimhen is in career-best UCL form — can he add to his record at Anfield?
- Lookman and Atlético are heavy favourites to progress.
- Ahanor will gain priceless experience against Europe’s elite.
Nigeria is proudly represented in Europe’s biggest club competition!
