Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, is on the verge of another major milestone as Galatasaray face Ajax in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday. A goal in the match could see him equal or surpass Obafemi Martins as Nigeria’s top scorer in European club competitions.
Osimhen has scored 22 goals across Europe’s top tournaments 12 in the Champions League and 10 in the Europa League just one shy of Martins’ record of 23. Scoring twice against Ajax would make him Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in European competitions. The 26-year-old has been in top form this season, netting key goals for Galatasaray in both domestic and continental games.
This match will also mark Osimhen’s 50th appearance for Galatasaray and his 20th in the Champions League, putting him within touching distance of the 21-game appearance record held by Victor Ikpeba and Céléstine Babayaro. He already stands as Nigeria’s highest scorer in Champions League history with 12 goals, ahead of Martins and Julius Aghahowa.
Beyond chasing personal records, Osimhen’s performances have powered Galatasaray’s strong European campaign. He scored the winning penalty against Liverpool and a brace versus Bodø/Glimt, becoming the first Galatasaray player to score in seven straight European games. The Nigerian forward says the team’s goal is to prove they can compete with Europe’s elite.
With 43 goals in just 49 matches for the Turkish giants, Osimhen continues to cement his legacy as one of Africa’s finest strikers. As Galatasaray seek a third consecutive Champions League victory, all eyes will be on the Nigerian star to see if he can make history under the bright lights of Amsterdam.