TWO of the Super Eagles’ most important players, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both scored yesterday as they prepared for make-or-mar 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures later in March.
Osimhen struck the winning goal in Galatasaray’s 2-1 Turkish Super Lig victory at Alanyaspor, while Lookman netted the fourth goal as Juventus stunned at the Allianz Arena in Serie A.
The Super Eagles, needing to win both matches, will travel to Rwanda on March 21 and host Zimbabwe four days later in Uyo as the three-time African champions seek to turn their qualifying fortunes around.
In Turkey, Osimhen came to the rescue of Galatasaray, his 17th league goal of the season ending a winless run for the champions.
The Nigeria international has now scored 17 goals in 21 matches in the league this campaign as Saturday’s victory ended a streak of four straight draws for Galatasaray.
Alanyaspor took the lead in the 23rd minute through Tonny Vilhena.
Things then got worse for Galatasaray as Gunay Guvenc was shown a straight red card in first-half added time.
Despite playing with 10 men, Galatasaray equalised through an own goal by Fidan Aliti.
Osimhen then put the Istanbul giants 2-1 up in the 62nd minute with a fine header, taking Galatasaray seven points clear of second-placed Fenerbahce, who have played a game fewer.
In Italy, Lookman wrapped up the scoring for Atalanta with the fourth goal in the 77th minute.
Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, pounced on a stray pass in midfield, bore down on goal and fired home a deflected effort.
Atalanta are in the third position in Serie A, just three points behind leaders Inter Milan, while the heavy defeat left Juventus in fourth place, six points further behind.
Lookman has scored four goals in his last four matches and has 13 goals and five assists in 22 Serie A appearances this campaign, surpassing his league tally for last season of 11 in 31 games.
