Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman was denied his first UEFA Champions League goal of the season by VAR, but Atalanta still claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Marseille on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian forward thought he had opened the scoring in the 69th minute after Raoul Bellanova’s low cross found him unmarked for a simple tap-in.

However, the celebration was cut short as VAR ruled him offside in the build-up, forcing frustration on the Atalanta bench.

Lookman, who has endured a challenging start to the campaign, was substituted in the 75th minute by coach Ivan Juric, following another industrious yet luckless display in front of goal.

Samardzic’s late winner

Atalanta’s persistence finally paid off when substitute Lazar Samardzic fired home in the 89th minute, sealing three vital points and keeping their Champions League campaign alive.

The game also featured a compelling duel between Lookman and Aubameyang, two of Africa’s most prolific forwards, both of whom came close but failed to convert their chances.

International réunion looms

The pair are set to face each other again next week when Nigeria take on Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff in Morocco. The Super Eagles will be seeking a decisive victory to strengthen their bid for qualification.