Fakayejo Paul
ISTANBUL/AMSTERDAM – Victor Osimhen delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances in UEFA Champions League history, dismantling Ajax with a hat-trick in Galatasaray’s 3-0 victory.
The Nigerian striker didn’t just win the game; he rewrote the record books for his club, his nation, and the entire competition.
Galatasaray Records Obliterated
Osimhen’s stunning treble (a goal and two penalties) in Amsterdam secured a host of club records, confirming his legendary status in Istanbul:
- Back-to-Back Braces/Multi-Goals: He became the first Galatasaray player ever to score a brace (or more) in back-to-back Champions League games, following his brace against Bodø/Glimt in the previous round.
- Consecutive MOTM: He achieved the incredible feat of winning three Man of the Match awards in three consecutive Champions League games, underscoring his dominance on the continental stage.
Nigerian and African Milestones
The hat-trick was equally monumental for Nigerian football, with Osimhen surpassing iconic national records:
- All-Time UEFA Top Scorer: Osimhen is now Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in UEFA club competitions with 25 goals, overtaking the long-standing record held by Obafemi Martins (23 goals).
- Second UCL Hat-Trick: He became only the second Nigerian player to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League, joining the legendary Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who achieved the feat in 2002 for Maccabi Haifa.
- Consecutive Scoring Run: He extended his astonishing scoring run to eight consecutive UEFA matches, which includes goals for both Napoli and Galatasaray.
Race for the Golden Boot
With his sensational performance, the 26-year-old immediately catapulted himself to the summit of Europe’s elite strikers:
- Current Highest Scorer: Victor Osimhen is now the current Champions League highest goal scorer with 6 goals, despite having missed Galatasaray’s opening game of the campaign.
- Top Contender: He currently leads the race ahead of the likes of Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé.
- Goal Tally: His goals against Ajax bring his total Champions League career tally to 15 goals.
Osimhen’s masterful performance has rightfully made “everybody Happy” and confirmed that the Champions League is witnessing the reign of a new Nigerian King.