In a landmark achievement for Nigerian football, Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has etched his name in the history books as the first Nigerian to score 10 goals in the prestigious UEFA Champions League (UCL). The 26-year-old forward reached this remarkable milestone during Galatasaray’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Liverpool at RAMS Park on Tuesday night, September 30, 2025, in a match that showcased his composure and clinical finishing.
Osimhen’s historic goal came from a penalty kick in a tightly contested encounter against one of Europe’s footballing giants. The penalty was awarded after Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai inadvertently struck Galatasaray’s Barış Alper Yılmaz in the face, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Stepping up to take the kick, Osimhen displayed nerves of steel, sending Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker the wrong way with a perfectly placed shot to secure the only goal of the match. The strike not only clinched a crucial win for Galatasaray but also propelled Osimhen past fellow Nigerian football legend Obafemi Martins to become the highest-scoring Nigerian in the UCL, excluding qualification matches.
This milestone further cements Osimhen’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most prolific talents on the global stage. His journey to this point has been one of resilience, determination, and consistent excellence across Europe’s top leagues. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Osimhen’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a household name in European football is a testament to his hard work and unrelenting ambition. His ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated in the match against Liverpool, has made him a fan favorite and a key figure for both club and country.
What makes Osimhen’s achievement even more remarkable is the fact that he is the first Nigerian to score in the UEFA Champions League for three different clubs. Prior to his exploits with Galatasaray, Osimhen had found the back of the net for French side Lille and Italian giants Napoli in the competition. This versatility and adaptability across different leagues and systems highlight his quality as a world-class striker. His time at Lille saw him announce himself on the European stage with dynamic performances, while his spell at Napoli elevated him to superstar status, where he played a pivotal role in helping the club secure the Serie A title in the 2022-23 season, their first in over three decades.
Osimhen’s journey in the Champions League has been nothing short of inspiring. His 10 goals in the competition have come against some of the best defenses in Europe, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. His physicality, speed, and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders, and his knack for scoring crucial goals has endeared him to fans across the clubs he has represented. The penalty against Liverpool was a perfect example of his composure in high-stakes situations, as he calmly dispatched the ball past one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
This latest milestone adds to an already illustrious career for the young striker. Osimhen has consistently broken barriers for Nigerian footballers, setting new standards for excellence. Surpassing Obafemi Martins, a former Inter Milan and Newcastle United star who was a trailblazer in his own right, is no small feat. Martins had long held the record as Nigeria’s top scorer in the Champions League, and Osimhen’s achievement signals a passing of the torch to a new generation of Nigerian talent.
For Galatasaray, Osimhen’s impact since joining the Turkish giants has been immediate and profound. His presence in the attacking third has added a new dimension to the team’s play, and his goal-scoring prowess has given them a fighting chance in a highly competitive Champions League campaign. The victory over Liverpool, a club with a storied history in European football, was a statement of intent from Galatasaray, and Osimhen’s contribution was central to their success. The passionate atmosphere at RAMS Park, coupled with Osimhen’s heroics, made for a memorable night for the Turkish side and their supporters.
Osimhen’s achievement also carries significant weight for Nigerian football as a whole. The Super Eagles have long been a powerhouse in African football, but producing players who can dominate on the European stage has been a rarer occurrence. Osimhen’s success serves as an inspiration for young Nigerian footballers dreaming of making it big in Europe. His journey from the streets of Lagos to scoring against elite clubs like Liverpool is a powerful narrative of what can be achieved through talent, hard work, and perseverance.
As Osimhen continues to make waves in the Champions League, the football world will be watching closely to see how far he can go. His goal-scoring record is likely to grow, and with his prime years still ahead of him, there is every reason to believe he will continue to shatter records and set new benchmarks. For now, though, Nigerian football fans can celebrate a historic moment as their star striker takes his place among the elite in one of the world’s most prestigious competitions.
The significance of Osimhen’s milestone extends beyond the numbers. It represents a triumph of ambition and a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers across Nigeria and Africa. His ability to perform consistently at the highest level while carrying the hopes of a nation is a testament to his character and skill. As he continues to represent Nigeria and Galatasaray with distinction, Victor Osimhen is not just rewriting the record books—he is redefining what it means to be a Nigerian footballer on the global stage.
