The UEFA Champions League knockout stage begins this week and several Nigerian stars will be flying the Super Eagles flag as the round of 16 first legs get underway.
With some of Europe’s biggest clubs in action, Nigerian fans will be keeping a close eye on three players in particular. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and rising defender Honest Ahanor could all play key roles for their clubs as they look to take a step closer to the Champions League quarter-finals.
From Istanbul to Madrid and Bergamo, here are the Nigerians to watch in Tuesday’s Champions League action.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray vs Liverpool
18:45 kick-off
Victor Osimhen has been one of the standout strikers in this season’s Champions League.
The Galatasaray forward has already scored seven goals in the competition, putting him among the tournament’s top scorers alongside some of Europe’s biggest names. His energy, pressing and finishing have been crucial to Galatasaray’s impressive run to the knockout stages.
Osimhen already proved the difference when these sides met earlier in the competition, scoring the only goal in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in the league phase.
The Turkish champions have been extremely strong at home this season and Osimhen will once again be their biggest attacking threat as they look to take a first-leg advantage against Arne Slot’s side.
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Ademola Lookman – Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham
21:00 kick-off
Ademola Lookman has made an immediate impact since joining Atletico Madrid earlier this year.
The Nigerian winger has quickly become one of Diego Simeone’s most dangerous attacking options, registering four goals and three assists in his first ten matches for the club. His pace and direct running have added a new dimension to Atletico’s attack.
Lookman was also instrumental in Atletico’s playoff victory over Club Brugge, contributing both a goal and an assist across the tie.
Against Tottenham, he will be expected to play a major role again as Atletico aim to take control of the tie at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Honest Ahanor – Atalanta vs Bayern Munich
21:00 kick-off
Teenage defender Honest Ahanor continues to emerge as one of the most exciting young prospects in European football.
The 18-year-old centre-back has enjoyed a rapid rise since joining Atalanta from Genoa last year and has already featured regularly in the Champions League this season.
Known for his composure on the ball and ability to play progressive passes from defence, Ahanor now faces one of the toughest tests of his young career against Bayern Munich’s high-powered attack.
With Bayern averaging nearly three goals per game in the competition, the Nigerian youngster will have a huge responsibility as Atalanta try to keep the German giants at bay in Bergamo.
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