By Emmanuel Kwada
The Emirates Stadium erupted in euphoria last night as Arsenal delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over defending champions Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Among the electrified crowd were some of Nigeria’s most prominent figures—Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, Tony O. Elumelu, and other influential personalities—who joined passionate Gunners fans to witness a historic night of footballing brilliance.
The match, a showcase of Arsenal’s tactical prowess and unrelenting spirit, saw the North London side dominate the 15-time European champions.
Thrilled to be here at the Emirates Stadium tonight for the Champions League Quarterfinal, Arsenal vs Real Madrid! Let’s go Gunners!
Declan Rice stole the spotlight with two breathtaking free-kick goals in the 58th and 70th minutes, curling the ball past Real Madrid’s helpless goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Mikel Merino sealed the rout in the 75th minute with a clinical finish, sending the stadium into a frenzy and leaving Real Madrid reeling ahead of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Former Nigerian Senate President Bukola Saraki, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, was visibly elated as he soaked in the atmosphere at the Emirates.
Big Champions League game tonight! Who are you rooting for?
“Thrilled to be here at the Emirates Stadium tonight for the Champions League Quarterfinal, Arsenal vs Real Madrid! Let’s go Gunners!” Saraki posted on X before the match, his excitement palpable.
After the final whistle, he added, “Arsenal delivered a masterclass tonight—pure quality, determination, and tactical brilliance. Well done, boys!”
Tony O. Elumelu, the renowned Nigerian economist and philanthropist, also shared his anticipation for the clash. “Big Champions League game tonight! Who are you rooting for?” he asked his followers on X earlier in the day. Post-match reports confirmed Elumelu’s presence among the Nigerian contingent, celebrating Arsenal’s emphatic triumph.
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President and a staunch Arsenal fan, was equally swept up in the night’s magic. Known for his vocal support of the Gunners, Atiku has often tied Arsenal’s resilience to his own political journey.
While he remained reserved in his immediate post-match comments, sources close to him described his mood as “jubilant,” reflecting the collective pride of Nigeria’s Arsenal faithful.
The Nigerian dignitaries, joined by other notable figures from the country’s political and business elite, added a distinctive flair to the Emirates’ vibrant stands. Their presence underscored Arsenal’s massive following in Nigeria, a nation where the club commands one of its largest and most passionate fan bases globally.
From the streets of Lagos to the corridors of power in Abuja, the Gunners’ victory reverberated, uniting fans across borders.
For Arsenal, the win marked a statement of intent in their quest for a first-ever Champions League title.
Arsenal head into the second leg with a commanding lead and a wave of momentum
Manager Mikel Arteta hailed the performance as a “magic moment” for the club, which has struggled to reclaim its European glory since reaching the final in 2006. With Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga sent off late in the game, Arsenal head into the second leg with a commanding lead and a wave of momentum.
As the Nigerian “big men” departed the Emirates, their smiles mirrored the sentiments of millions of Arsenal fans worldwide.
For Saraki, Elumelu, Abubakar, and their compatriots, the night was more than a football match—it was a celebration of loyalty, brilliance, and the unyielding spirit of the Gunners. The road to the semi-finals remains open, but for now, Arsenal—and its Nigerian faithful—bask in the glow of a night to remember.
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