Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass in Amsterdam, scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League hat-trick to power Galatasaray past Ajax and etch his name deeper into Nigerian football history.
The Super Eagles striker struck three times — in the 59th, 66th, and 78th minutes — with his second and third goals coming from the penalty spot, as Galatasaray sealed a stunning victory on Dutch soil, Footballrover reports.
Victor Osimhen Sets New Nigerian Scoring Record in Europe
His performance not only secured all three points but also made him Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in European club competitions.
Osimhen’s treble lifted his tally in UEFA tournaments to 25 goals, surpassing Obafemi Martins’ long-standing record of 23 — a mark set during spells with Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, and Levante.
The 26-year-old also made his 20th appearance in the Champions League, moving within one match of equalling the Nigerian record of 21 jointly held by Victor Ikpeba and Celestine Babayaro.
It was a night of milestones for the 2023 African Player of the Year, who now has 15 goals in the Champions League alone — extending his lead as Nigeria’s top scorer in the competition ahead of Martins (10), Julius Aghahowa, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Ikpeba, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni (all 7).
Earlier this season, Osimhen scored the decisive winner that stunned Liverpool in Istanbul and later netted twice against Bodø/Glimt to set two new Galatasaray records.
His first that night became the earliest goal ever scored by the club in a Champions League game, while his second made him the first player in their history to score in seven consecutive European matches — breaking Burak Yılmaz’s 13-year record.
Osimhen’s hat-trick against Ajax further sealed his place among Galatasaray’s all-time greats.
Galatasaray Star Extends Champions League Dominance
He has now scored 46 goals in 50 appearances for the Turkish champions, including 12 in European competitions — a figure that draws him level with Milan Baros and Shabani Nonda at the top of the club’s continental scoring chart.
It was also a historic moment for Nigerian football — making Osimhen only the second Nigerian ever to score a Champions League hat-trick, after Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s treble for Maccabi Haifa against Olympiacos in 2002.
For Galatasaray, the night belonged to their No. 9 — a striker at the peak of his powers, rewriting records and reminding Europe that he is one of the most complete forwards in world football.
The Super Eagles star has he scored in all Champions League games so far and was subbed off in 80th miute after a job well done.
Victor Osimhen is currently the Champions League top scorer with six goals.
Be the first to comment on "Victor Osimhen Smashes Records with First Champions League Hat-Trick as Galatasaray Crush Ajax"