Victor Osimhen Makes History in the Champions League
On Tuesday night in Istanbul, Victor Osimhen carved out a new chapter for Nigerian football. The striker became the first player from the country to reach double digits in Champions League goals, a feat sealed in Galatasaray’s 1–0 victory over Liverpool at Rams Park.
Starting his first full game since recovering from an ankle injury, the 26-year-old showed his trademark confidence. Just 16 minutes in, he stepped up to the spot after Dominik Szoboszlai’s foul was whistled inside the box. Osimhen sent Alisson Becker the wrong way with a calm finish that not only gave Galatasaray the lead but also cemented his place in history.
By the final whistle, Osimhen’s strike had earned him the man-of-the-match award and lifted his overall tally to 10 goals in Europe’s biggest club competition. That edged him past Obafemi Martins, who previously held the Nigerian record with nine. Other notable names—Ademola Lookman, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni—remain further down the list with five apiece.
The goal carried even more weight given Osimhen’s recent injury struggles during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers. His return to form offers Galatasaray a huge boost as they navigate a demanding Champions League group filled with European giants.
For Osimhen, it was more than just a goal—it was a statement: a reminder of his resilience, class, and place among the continent’s finest strikers.
