Victor Osimhen etched his name in history on Wednesday night after becoming Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in European competitions, netting a stunning hat-trick in Galatasaray’s 3–0 win over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League.
The Nigerian striker was in imperious form at the Nef Stadium, firing his side to a dominant victory and sealing his place among the continent’s elite forwards.
Historic Night in Istanbul
After a tense first half, Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a trademark header, rising highest to meet Leroy Sané’s inch-perfect cross.
The Super Eagles star then doubled his tally from the penalty spot before coolly converting another spot-kick to complete his hat-trick — sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Breaking Records
With his treble, Osimhen surpassed Obafemi Martins’ long-standing record of 23 goals, taking his total to 25 in European club competitions.
The 26-year-old has also joined Yakubu Aiyegbeni in an exclusive list of Nigerians to have scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League. Yakubu achieved the feat for Maccabi Haifa in a 3–0 victory over Olympiacos on September 24, 2002.
Galatasaray Milestones
Osimhen’s performance also made him the first Galatasaray player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League since Burak Yılmaz’s treble against Cluj in 2012.
Even more impressively, he has now scored in eight consecutive European matches, setting another club record for the Turkish giants.
A Star in His Prime
Osimhen’s relentless goal-scoring form continues to underline his status as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe. His combination of pace, power, and precision has transformed Galatasaray’s attacking line and reignited their continental ambitions.
Speaking after the match, Osimhen dedicated his performance to “every Nigerian who believed in him,” saying, “Records are special, but winning for the team comes first. I’m proud to make my country proud.”
