Atletico v Club Brugge: Lookman eyes Nigerian record held by Osimhen as Onyedika misses out

Ademola Lookman will have another opportunity to move higher on Nigeria’s all-time UEFA Champions League scoring chart when Atlético Madrid host Club Brugge on Tuesday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles forward is currently the third-highest Nigerian scorer in the competition’s history. His headed goal in the first leg, which ended in an entertaining 3-3 draw, took his tally to seven goals in Europe’s biggest club tournament.

That strike saw Lookman draw level with former Monaco star Victor Ikpeba, who also scored seven Champions League goals during his career. Ikpeba once held Nigeria’s record before being overtaken years later by Obafemi Martins and more recently by Victor Osimhen.

Lookman now needs just two more goals to equal Martins’ total, while a hat-trick would push him past the former Inter Milan striker. Osimhen, however, still sits comfortably at the top of Nigeria’s chart with 15 goals from 24 Champions League matches.

Since arriving in Madrid from Atalanta in January, Lookman has adapted quickly, contributing seven goals across competitions and becoming an important attacking option for Diego Simeone’s side.

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Atletico v Brugge: Lookman in, Onyedika out

The return leg arrives finely balanced after both Nigerian players impressed in Belgium. Lookman scored Atletico’s second goal in the first meeting, while Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika scored and later provided an assist as the Belgian side fought back.

But Onyedika will miss Tuesday’s match after receiving his third yellow card of the competition, leaving Club Brugge without one of their most influential midfielders.

Both teams come into the game in strong domestic form. Atletico warmed up with a 4-2 win over Espanyol, where Lookman scored his first La Liga goal, continuing an impressive start that has seen him average roughly one goal involvement per match since joining the Spanish club.

Club Brugge also arrive with confidence after a 2-1 league victory over OH Leuven, keeping their title ambitions alive in Belgium.

With the aggregate score level and qualification for the next round at stake, Atletico will once again look to their in-form Nigerian attacker for inspiration. Club Brugge, meanwhile, must reorganise without Onyedika as both sides prepare for what promises to be another dramatic Champions League night.