Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen etched his name into the history books on Tuesday night after becoming the first Nigerian player to hit double figures in the UEFA Champions League.
Osimhen, 26, achieved the milestone during Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Premier League champions Liverpool at Rams Park in a Champions League league phase clash.
Osimhen, who was handed his first full start for the Turkish giants since returning from an ankle injury, showed no signs of rust as he confidently converted from the spot in the 16th minute.
The penalty was awarded after Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was judged to have committed a foul inside the box.
His cool finish past Alisson Becker not only gave Galatasaray an early lead but also pushed his Champions League tally to 10 goals, making him the most prolific Nigerian in the competition’s history. He also ended the game with the man-of-the-match award.
Osimhen now stands ahead of former Inter Milan forward Obafemi Martins, who scored nine times in Europe’s premier club tournament. Ademola Lookman, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni all trail further behind with five goals each.
The Super Eagles star’s landmark strike also carried added significance, given his recent injury setback during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
His return has now boosted Galatasaray’s hopes of progressing from a tough group that features European heavyweights.
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