Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen etched his name into European football history on Tuesday night, becoming the first Nigerian player to score double digits in the UEFA Champions League.
The 26-year-old reached the milestone during Galatasaray’s stunning 1-0 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool at Rams Park in Istanbul.
Making his first full start since recovering from an ankle injury, Osimhen looked sharp and determined. In the 16th minute, he calmly dispatched a penalty after Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai was penalised for a foul inside the box.
His ice-cool strike past goalkeeper Alisson Becker not only handed Galatasaray an early lead but also marked his 10th Champions League goal, sealing his place as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in the competition.
The Super Eagles forward picked up the Man of the Match award, cementing his performance as a memorable night for both him and his club.
Osimhen’s record saw him move past Obafemi Martins, who previously held the mark with nine goals. Other Nigerian legends like Ademola Lookman, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni trail behind with five goals each.
The strike was particularly significant, coming shortly after his injury setback during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. His return has now boosted Galatasaray’s chances of advancing from a tough group featuring European heavyweights.
For Osimhen, this was more than a goal—it was a statement of resilience, class, and history.
