The Super Eagles star’s last-minute clincher helped Villarreal advance to the Champions League semifinals, but it was also a significant goal for Nigeria
Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze came off the bench to score the vital goal for Villarreal in their 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich and ensured that the Yellow Submarine sealed qualification to the Semifinal of the UEFA Champions League.
That 88th-minute strike ensured Villarreal’s passage to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 16 years.
Also, it was the first time a Nigerian scored in the quarterfinal of a Champions League match since Obafemi Martins’ goal for Inter Milan in their 2-1 first-leg victory against Villarreal on the 29th of March 2006.
Villarreal won the second leg 1-0 and qualified on goal difference. Coincidentally, the last two times Villarreal has won a quarterfinal tie in the Champions League, a Super Eagles star has scored- either for or against.
Also, the last time they advanced to the Semis, they were beaten 1-0 by English opposition- Arsenal. This year, they would face the winner of the tie between Liverpool and Benfica.
The Reds already have a 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Portugal, and they are favorites to qualify when they welcome Benfica at Anfield.
Chukwueze is also the first Nigerian to score in a Champions League knockout game since John Obi Mikel in a round of 16 clash against PSG in 2016.
