Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen etched his name into the history books on Tuesday, becoming the first Nigerian player to score double figures in the UEFA Champions League proper.
The 26-year-old reached the landmark while playing for Galatasaray in their matchday two clash against Liverpool at Rams Park.
Making his first full start since returning from an ankle injury sustained during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, Osimhen struck from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai conceded a foul inside the box. The Nigerian coolly dispatched his effort past Alisson Becker to give the Turkish champions the lead.
The goal took Osimhen’s tally to 10 Champions League goals, moving him clear of Obafemi Martins (nine goals). Other Nigerians on the list include Ademola Lookman, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who each netted five times in Europe’s premier club competition.
Osimhen’s achievement further solidifies his reputation as one of Africa’s most prolific strikers on the global stage.
