By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 26, 2026

Victor Osimhen delivered when it mattered most as Galatasaray edged past Juventus to reach the UEFA Champions League round of 16 for the first time in 12 years, despite a 3-2 defeat after extra time at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Holding a commanding first-leg advantage, the Turkish champions were pushed to the brink in Turin but advanced 7-5 on aggregate, with Nigeria’s Osimhen scoring the decisive goal in the 105th minute.

His finish, struck through the legs of goalkeeper Mattia Perin, silenced the home crowd and ultimately ended Juventus’ resistance.

The striker’s reaction was notably restrained, reflecting frustration at his side’s display on the night.

Juventus, trailing by three goals from the first leg, began with urgency. Davinson Sánchez forced an early save from Perin, while Federico Gatti and Teun Koopmeiners both squandered headed opportunities. Perin also denied Osimhen in a lively opening spell.

The hosts broke the deadlock before half-time when Manuel Locatelli converted from the penalty spot after Khéphren Thuram was fouled by Lucas Torreira.

Juventus’ hopes were dented shortly after the restart when Lloyd Kelly was dismissed for a reckless challenge, yet the Italian side continued to press. Gatti levelled the tie on the night with 20 minutes remaining, and Weston McKennie’s late header forced extra time by drawing Juventus level on aggregate.

However, with both sides tiring, Osimhen seized his moment on the stroke of half-time in extra time, calmly finishing to restore Galatasaray’s aggregate lead.

Barış Yılmaz added another in the closing stages to confirm progression and send the 10-man hosts out of the competition.

Galatasaray will now face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16, with the draw set for Friday at 12:00 Nigeria time.

Elsewhere, Atalanta secured their place in the next round with a dramatic 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund, sealing a 4-3 aggregate triumph.

Nigeria-eligible Honest Ahanor featured as a second-half substitute, replacing Sead Kolasinac in the 73rd minute. The defender has now made seven appearances in this season’s competition, starting three matches and accumulating 328 minutes.

With Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen also advancing earlier in the week, Nigeria’s contingent in the competition continues to grow as Ademola Lookman and Nathan Tella are among those who will be involved in the round of 16.

The first legs of the round of 16 ties will be played on March 10 and 11, with the return fixtures scheduled for March 17 and 18.

The 2025-26 Champions League final will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 26, 2026

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