UEFA Champions League: Osimhen, Lookman lead Nigerian stars facing tough European tests
None of the Nigerian players featured so far secured a victory on the opening matchday, leaving plenty to play for as they look to make a stronger impression in Europe's premier club competition. Osimhen faces Barcelona after Galatasaray injury boost Victor Osimhen is expected to be a major attacking threat when Galatasaray host Barcelona in one of Tuesday's headline fixtures.
The Turkish champions are looking to recover from a 3-1 defeat away to Sporting CP in their Champions League opener, while Barcelona arrive in Istanbul after thrashing Feyenoord 5-1 and beating Getafe 3-0 in La Liga. The 27-year-old has registered six goals and three assists in five league appearances this season.
He returned from a groin injury on Friday, coming off the bench to set up Mario Lemina's stoppage-time goal in Galatasaray's 3-1 victory over Kasimpasa. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has acknowledged the threat posed by the Nigerian, praising both the striker and Galatasaray's squad ahead of the contest.
"Galatasaray have a fantastic striker like Osimhen; they really have a great squad," Flick said. Osimhen, meanwhile, recognises the quality of the challenge awaiting his side but is relishing the opportunity to test himself against one of Europe's leading teams.
"Barcelona is a very big team. You shouldn't be happy about playing against them, because they have very quality players," he said, according to Futbol Arena.
"It will help us both collectively and individually. I'm happy for matches like this.
It will be a great match." The Nigerian has already scored against Barcelona, finding the net for Napoli in a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their 2024 Champions League round-of-16 tie. Napoli subsequently lost 3-1 in the return fixture and were eliminated.
Galatasaray's historical record against Barcelona offers little comfort, with the Turkish side winning only one of their eight previous Champions League meetings, alongside two draws and five defeats. Osimhen will hope his fitness has recovered sufficiently for him to lead the attack and help Galatasaray secure a result that would revive their European campaign.
Lookman targets Manchester United test as Simeone demands more Ademola Lookman faces a different challenge as Atlético Madrid welcome Manchester United to the Spanish capital on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 pm Nigerian time.