By Danjuma Amodu | March 18, 2026
Eberechi Eze has delivered a thunderous response to critics, unleashing a breathtaking strike to hand Arsenal a commanding lead against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16 at the Emirates.
The midfielder’s stunning goal, likened to what the late legendary Nigerian commentator Ernest Okonkwo, would refer to as ‘a continental ballistic missile,’ left fans and pundits alike in awe.
Eze’s 27th-minute strike, his maiden goal in the Champions League, was a masterclass of technique and composure. Receiving a bouncing ball outside the area, Eze calmly controlled the ball with his left foot, pivoted, and unleashed a stunning right-footed shot that left goalkeeper Janis Blaswich with no chance. The strike was so precise that it rocketed into the top corner, leaving the Leverkusen goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The reaction from his teammates was one of sheer astonishment, with William Saliba and Ben White burying their heads in their hands, while Declan Rice couldn’t help but chuckle at the audacity. Manager Mikel Arteta’s celebrations were, understandably, more passionate.
Former Arsenal centre-back Matthew Upson hailed Eze’s strike as ‘sensational’, praising his ability to find the change of gear needed to excel at a club like Arsenal. ‘Eze is up and down at the moment, but he’s getting there,’ Upson said. ‘Especially in a season like this, there’s so much winning pressure, a slip-up is around the corner at every moment.’
Arsenal’s next challenge is Sporting CP, who overturned a 3-0 deficit to Bodo/Glimt in their first leg. The Gunners will look to build on Eze’s momentum as they seek to progress to the quarter-finals.
