Osimhen’s first Nigerian to score for three different clubs in Champions League history

Victor Osimhen etched his name deeper into Nigerian football lore with a historic strike in Galatasaray’s 1–0 triumph over Liverpool in Istanbul.

The goal not only sealed a memorable win but also made Osimhen the first Nigerian to score for three different clubs in the UEFA Champions League: Lille, Napoli, and now Galatasaray.

The 26-year-old forward, starting for the Turkish giants for the first time since August 30, coolly converted a 16th-minute penalty after teammate Barış Alper Yılmaz was brought down by Dominik Szoboszlai.

Osimhen waited for Liverpool’s Alisson Becker to dive before slotting the ball down the middle, delivering Galatasaray’s first home UCL win in seven years.

His performance earned him UEFA’s Player of the Match honors, with the Technical Observer Group hailing him as ‘tonight’s match winner,’ noting his pivotal role in transitions and defensive pressing.

Post-match, Osimhen was visibly emotional and proud.

‘Liverpool was a tough opponent and the odds were stacked against us, but we knew how to fight together,’ he said.

‘I’m proud to be a Galatasaray player. I play better here because my name is always being mentioned and our fans give me strength.’

He ended with a bold statement: ‘Galatasaray is the best team in the world.’

Osimhen’s goal marked his 10th in the Champions League, making him Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in the competition.

It was also his second goal against a Premier League side, having previously netted for Lille against Chelsea in 2019.