Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman celebrated his return from injury by scoring a goal in his club’s UEFA Champions League second leg tie against Club Brugge.
However, it was insufficient to prevent Atalanta from suffering a 3-1 loss to the Belgian club at the Gewiss Stadium.
This defeat sealed Atalanta’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League, as they lost 5-2 on aggregate following a 2-1 setback in the first leg.
Lookman began the match on the bench and was substituted in at the beginning of the second half, taking the place of Mario Pasalic, as Atalanta sought to launch a comeback after being down 3-0 at halftime.
The 27-year-old Nigerian international had an immediate impact, scoring a goal that kindled hopes for a turnaround.
His goal, a precisely timed strike from a low cross delivered by Zappacosta, increased his seasonal tally to 15 goals, and seven assists across 28 matches in all competitions.
Nevertheless, Lookman squandered a significant opportunity to exert further pressure on Brugge when he failed to convert a penalty in the 61st minute.
The forward had been sidelined due to a knee injury, sustained ahead of Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona at the Montjuïc Stadium.
Read also: Ademola Lookman returns to Atalanta just days after winning prestigious African award
His absence saw him miss six matches, including two Champions League fixtures, three Serie A games, and one Coppa Italia tie.
Lookman’s return is a huge boost for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, as Nigeria prepares for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
He is return would bolster the Super Eagles’ attacking options and enhance their chances of securing crucial victories to improve Nigeria’s position in the qualification race.
Similarly, George Ilenikhena found the net for Monaco in their 3-3 draw against Benfica in Portugal.
The result sees Monaco exit the UEFA Champions League, having lost the first leg 1-0.
