Oliseh Hails Lookman After Nigerian’s Historic UCL Goal Sinks Barcelona

Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has showered praise on Ademola Lookman following the Nigerian’s decisive impact in Atlético Madrid’s dramatic Champions League triumph over Barcelona.

Lookman netted the all-important goal that propelled Diego Simeone’s men into the semi-finals of Europe’s elite competition, as they edged their La Liga rivals 3-2 on aggregate across a thrilling two-legged quarter-final tie.

Atlético seized control of the matchup with a commanding 2-0 victory in the first leg at Camp Nou, silencing the home crowd with a disciplined away performance.

However, the return fixture at the Metropolitano told a different story. Barcelona roared back, taking a 2-0 lead on the night through first-half strikes from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres.

That result would have sent the Catalan side through, but Lookman had other plans.

In the 31st minute, a swift counterattack caught Barcelona’s high defensive line off guard. Lookman, showing poise and precision, received the ball inside the box, shifted past a defender, and fired a clinical finish past the goalkeeper.

That solitary goal on the night – which made the final score 2-1 to Barcelona in the second leg – proved to be the tie-winner overall, sparking wild celebrations among the Atlético faithful.

With that strike, Lookman etched his name into Nigerian football history. He became the first player from the country to reach the Champions League semi-finals since Kelechi Iheanacho did so with Manchester City in 2016.

Reacting on social media platform X, Oliseh lauded the winger’s growing influence and maturity on the biggest stage.

“Talk about being an absolute influential player! I am extremely happy for Lookman. His goal made the difference. He is also showing so much maturity that is quite remarkable,” the former Super Eagles boss wrote.

Oliseh’s comments underline Lookman’s evolution from a promising talent to a genuine difference-maker in high-stakes European nights.

With Atlético now just two games away from a potential final, Lookman’s name is firmly in the spotlight as Nigeria’s newest continental hero.