Lookman Assist Powers Atletico to 7–4 Aggregate Win Over Brugge

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman delivered a decisive impact off the bench as Atletico Madrid thrashed Club Brugge KV 4–1 at the Estadio Metropolitano to complete a 7–4 aggregate win and book their place in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.

After a pulsating 3–3 draw in the first leg in Belgium, Atletico produced a commanding second-leg performance in front of their home supporters, blending tactical discipline with attacking ruthlessness.

The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Alexander Sørloth latched onto a precise long ball from goalkeeper Jan Oblak and calmly slotted past the Brugge keeper to make it 1–0. The visitors responded before the break, with Joel Ordóñez rising highest to head home an equaliser and briefly silence the home crowd.

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Atletico regained control almost immediately after halftime. Just three minutes into the second half, Johnny Cardoso struck from range to restore the hosts’ advantage and tilt momentum firmly in their favour. Despite missing suspended Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika, Club Brugge enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a compact Atletico defence.

The contest turned emphatically in the 70th minute when manager Diego Simeone introduced Lookman. The Nigerian winger injected pace and directness into Atletico’s attack, stretching Brugge’s defensive lines.

Six minutes after coming on, Lookman made his mark. Combining intelligently with Sørloth and Antoine Griezmann, he displayed composure and awareness to square a perfectly weighted pass across goal, allowing Sørloth to tap home his second of the night. The assist effectively ended Brugge’s hopes of a comeback.

Sørloth completed his hat-trick in the 87th minute, sealing an emphatic 4–1 victory and capping a dominant European night for the Spanish side.

For Lookman, the performance marked his seventh goal contribution of the season for Atletico, underlining his growing importance in Simeone’s squad. His late cameo included an assist and an impressive record in successful dribbles and ground duels during his 20-minute appearance.

The result sends Atletico Madrid confidently into the next round of the Champions League, while Club Brugge bow out after a spirited two-legged contest. With momentum building and squad depth proving decisive, Atletico now look ahead to the knockout stages with renewed belief.

Lookman Assist Powers Atletico to 7–4 Aggregate Win Over Brugge

Achraf Hakimi to Face Trial Over Alleged Rape in France

Achraf Hakimi rape allegation has taken a new legal turn as French prosecutors move to send the case involving the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender to trial.

The 25-year-old Morocco international, Achraf Hakimi, is facing the possibility of a criminal trial in France following a request by prosecutors after months of judicial investigation. However, the footballer has strongly denied the allegation, maintaining his innocence since the case first emerged in 2023.

The case began in February 2023 when a 24-year-old woman accused the PSG star of raping her at his residence in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris. Although the woman initially declined to file a formal complaint, French authorities proceeded with an investigation based on her statements.

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Now, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office has formally requested that the matter be referred to a criminal court. The final decision rests with investigating judges, who will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed with a full trial.

If the case goes to trial and a conviction is secured, Hakimi could face a significant prison sentence under French law. However, no verdict has been delivered, and the player remains legally presumed innocent.

Hakimi’s legal representatives have consistently rejected the accusation, previously suggesting it was an attempt at extortion. The defender has continued to feature for PSG and the Morocco national team throughout the investigation.

The development places renewed spotlight on the Achraf Hakimi trial proceedings, with legal observers noting that the decision of the investigating magistrates will be decisive in determining the next phase of the case.

For now, attention turns to the French judiciary as it weighs whether one of football’s high-profile defenders will stand trial in a French criminal court.

Achraf Hakimi to Face Trial Over Alleged Rape in France

S’Eagles Watch: Lookman, Iwobi, Ndidi Shine Across Europe as Osimhen Misses Out

Nigerian football stars delivered a weekend of goals, resilience, and mixed fortunes across Europe, with Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi all getting on the scoresheet, while Victor Osimhen was sidelined as his team slipped to defeat.

Turkey: Onuachu Scores Again, Osimhen Absent

In Turkey, Paul Onuachu continued his impressive run in front of goal, scoring as Trabzonspor secured a crucial away victory over Gaziantep FK. The Nigerian striker’s physical presence and finishing once again proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.

It was a contrasting story for Galatasaray, who fell 2–0 away to Konyaspor. Osimhen did not make the trip after reporting persistent pain in his right knee, with club officials opting not to risk the striker as a precaution.

Ndidi marked his return to competitive action in emotional fashion, opening the scoring for Besiktas in a commanding 4–0 home win over Goztepe. The goal capped a memorable week for the midfielder, who had recently travelled to Nigeria following the death of his father.

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Also in Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin delivered a lively performance for Rizespor in their home victory over Kocaelispor, before being substituted in the second half.

Spain: Lookman Inspires Atletico Comeback

In Spain, Lookman continued his rich vein of form, playing a starring role as Atletico Madrid came from behind to secure a thrilling 4–2 win over Espanyol. The Nigerian forward’s pace and directness unsettled the defence and proved vital in the comeback.

Elsewhere in La Liga, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke both featured for Sevilla in a hard-earned 1–0 away victory over Getafe.

Sadiq Umar played the full 90 minutes for Valencia, but could not prevent a narrow 2–1 away loss to Villarreal.

England: Iwobi on Target, Mixed Outcomes Elsewhere

In England, Iwobi delivered a standout display, scoring Fulham’s third goal in their clash with Sunderland. Calvin Bassey also featured throughout the encounter, providing defensive solidity. Samuel Chukwueze was unavailable for selection.

At Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tolu Arokodare played the entire match in an away defeat to Crystal Palace. The striker later became the target of racial abuse on social media after missing a penalty, drawing condemnation from fans and observers.

Bright Osayi-Samuel featured for Birmingham City in a 2–1 defeat to Norwich City, while Joe Aribo started for Leicester City in their 2–2 draw away at Stoke City before being substituted.

Across Europe: More Nigerian Involvement

• France: Moses Simon came off the bench for Paris FC in a 1–1 draw with Toulouse.
• Italy: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was an unused substitute as Lazio played out a goalless draw with Cagliari.
• Belgium: Raphael Onyedika completed 90 minutes for Club Brugge in a 2–1 home win over Oud-Heverlee Leuven.
• Portugal: Zaidu Sanusi played the full match as FC Porto edged Rio Ave 1–0.
• Greece: Bruno Onyemaechi featured for Olympiacos in a 2–0 victory over Panetolikos, before being substituted in the second half.

Overall

It was a weekend of goals, strong individual displays, and contrasting outcomes for Nigeria’s contingent abroad. With several Super Eagles stars maintaining impressive club form, attention now turns to how these performances could influence upcoming international fixtures.

S’Eagles Watch: Lookman, Iwobi, Ndidi Shine Across Europe as Osimhen Misses Out