Ademola Lookman took centre stage as other Nigerian players experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in the recent UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinal clashes.
Lookman’s pivotal goal propelled Atalanta to a thrilling comeback victory on Thursday, securing their spot in the Europa League quarterfinals, Footballrover reports.
The Nigerian international’s equaliser against Sporting Lisbon, followed by Gianluca Scamacca’s decisive strike, sealed a 2-1 triumph for the Italian side.
Ademola Lookman goal vs Sporting. #UELpic.twitter.com/9Xefjc8pmU
— Home of Nigerian Football (@EaglesTrackerNG) March 14, 2024
During the match, Lookman displayed his brilliance, featuring for 85 minutes, generating a key chance, and registering two shots, one of which found the target.
This goal marked Lookman’s first in this season’s Europa League campaign, adding to his impressive repertoire.
Meanwhile, in Belgium, Raphael Onyedika delivered a stellar midfield performance, propelling Club Brugge to overturn a first-leg deficit and secure a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinals. 
The Belgian outfit dominated Molde with a resounding 3-0 victory at the Jan Breydel Stadium, securing a 4-2 aggregate scoreline.
Bright Osayi-Samuel also left his mark in Turkey, as Fenerbahce progressed to the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinals despite a home defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise. 
The 26-year-old Nigerian right-back showcased his defensive prowess, featuring for the entire 90 minutes, contributing five tackles and two fouls at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
However, it wasn’t all success for Nigerian players in Europe.
Igoh Ogbu experienced disappointment as Slavia Prague suffered a comprehensive 3-7 aggregate defeat against Samuel Chukwueze’s AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League round of 16. Poop
Despite Ogbu’s commendable efforts, including over 32 passes and a crucial tackle, Slavia Prague succumbed to a 3-1 defeat on Thursday night.
Similarly, Cyriel Dessers endured a bittersweet night in Scotland as Rangers narrowly bowed out of the UEFA Europa League at the hands of Benfica in the round of 16. 
Despite his commendable efforts, including two shots during his 77-minute stint, Dessers and his teammates fell short as Benfica secured a 3-2 aggregate victory at the Ibrox Stadium.
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