Tag: Osimhen

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored a second-half hat-trick to ensure a comfortable 3-0 away win over hapless Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Two of the three goals came from the penalty spot as the Nigerian international took his competition total this season to six with the Turkish club moving up from 16^th  to ninth place in the standings with nine points from four games.

Ajax, who have been European champions four times, remain rooted at the bottom of the 36-team table without a point.

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Osimhen stooped to head home Leroy Sane’s cross in the 59^th  minute to open the scoring and then tucked away a 66th- minute penalty after a clumsy handball by defender Youri Baas.

Ajax gave away a second spot kick when Gerald Alders, on his European debut, inadvertently handled the ball in the box while trying to block a shot, with Osimhen stroking home the resultant penalty in the 78^th  minute.

Ajax came closest to a goal after an error from Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir allowed Mika Godts a shot at an empty net but he missed out on the opportunity.

• Dutchman describes Nigerian ace as a mix of Drogba and Ibrahimovic

• By David Oyekan with Agency Reports

Ajax head coach John Heitinga has heaped praise on Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, describing the Galatasaray forward as a rare blend of power and skill reminiscent of football greats Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Heitinga made the comparison in his press briefing ahead of  today’s UEFA Champions League showdown between Ajax and Galatasaray in Amsterdam. The Dutch manager admitted his side must be cautious of the in-form striker, whose blistering pace and strength have made him one of Europe’s most feared attackers.

 “If I were to compare Osimhen to someone, it would be these two players Drogba and Ibrahimovic,” Heitinga said. “He combines both strength and speed, and his physical presence is incredible. We must be fully focused to contain him.”

Osimhen has become a central figure for the Turkish champions since joining permanently from Napoli in the summer. During his loan spell last season, he scored 37 goals across all competitions, inspiring Galatasaray to a league and cup double  their first in more than a decade.

The 26-year-old’s success in Istanbul came after Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United failed to meet Napoli’s €75 million valuation. Galatasaray’s bold move paid off handsomely, making Osimhen the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.

Read Also: Osimhen eyes UCL glory with Galatasaray

The Nigerian forward has continued to set records this season. He became Galatasaray’s fastest scorer in the UEFA Champions League with an early goal against Bodo/Glimt, and also became the first player in the club’s history to score in seven consecutive European fixtures.

His decisive strike against Liverpool helped Galatasaray secure back-to-back Champions League victories for the first time in 13 years — a testament to his growing influence in European football.

A goal against Ajax in Amsterdam today  could see Osimhen extend his record-breaking run and further cement his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest stars on the continental stage.

UCL: TODAY’S MATCHES

Pafos vs. Villarreal

Qarabağ vs.  Chelsea

Ajax vs.  Galatasaray

Benfica vs.  Leverkusen

Brugge vs. Barcelona

Inter Milan vs.  Kairat

Man City vs.  Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund

Marseille vs.  Atalanta

Newcastle vs.  Atletico

“It’s time to make a statement

By Daniel Oyekan

Nigeria’s star forward Victor Osimhen  says  he  is ready to lead Turkish champions Galatasaray to new heights in the UEFA Champions League, declaring that “it’s time to make a statement in the most prestigious games.”

After lighting up Europe with Lille and Napoli, the 26-year-old striker is back on the grand stage this time, wearing the yellow-and-red of Galatasaray, where he has already become a fan favourite. The Super Eagles forward joined the Istanbul giants permanently in the summer after a successful season-long loan in 2024/25.

Galatasaray, who returned to Europe’s elite competition after a one-year absence, have enjoyed a strong group-stage start ahead of their Matchday 4 clash with Ajax tomorrow at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Osimhen has scored three goals in his last two Champions League appearances, propelling the club to back-to-back victories and putting them in contention for knockout qualification.

 “I spoke with the president when I arrived here, and we agreed that we want to make a statement in the Champions League,” Osimhen told UEFA  website. “We’ve dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show that we can compete among the best in Europe.”

The Nigerian’s ambition reflects his relentless spirit, a hallmark of his rise from humble beginnings in Olusosun, Lagos, to the top of world football.

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 “I came from a very poor background. Olusosun shaped me. It taught me resilience,” Osimhen recalled. “Whenever I go home, I visit to show gratitude and remind young kids that if I could make it out of there, they can too.”

His story has inspired millions across Africa, blending raw talent with determination. That same drive, he says, fuels his commitment to Galatasaray.

“When I arrived in Istanbul, I had never seen anything like that before — thousands of fans at the airport at 3 a.m.,” he said. “It gives you that fire to give everything for the badge. I absolutely love this club and I’m ready to go through everything with them-the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

Osimhen’s journey continues to mirror that of his idol, Didier Drogba, who also made his mark at Galatasaray before bowing out as a Champions League great.

 “In football, my hero was Drogba. I watched him and learned from how he played and lived. I tried to add his qualities to my own game,” he said. “In life, my biggest inspiration was my brother, he taught me how to hustle and never give up.”

Now, with Galatasaray chasing European recognition, Osimhen believes the team’s resurgence can restore Turkish football’s pride on the continental stage.

 “We are the biggest club in Turkey, and one of the biggest in the world,” he said with conviction. “Now, we want to prove it in the Champions League,” he added.

Nigerian stars are set to take centre stage in this week’s UEFA Champions League Matchday 4 fixtures, with in-form Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen spearheading Galatasaray’s bid to maintain their impressive European run.

Osimhen, who has found the net three times in two Champions League appearances this season, will aim to extend his scoring streak when Galatasaray visit Ajax Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff Arena tomorrow night.

After an opening 5–1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, the Turkish champions bounced back with successive wins — a hard-fought 1–0 triumph over Liverpool followed by a 3–1 victory against Bodø/Glimt. The resurgence has been driven by Osimhen’s brilliance in attack, as he scored the winner against Liverpool and bagged a brace against Bodø/Glimt while assisting the third goal.

Despite enduring a slow start to the season due to transfer uncertainties and injury setbacks, the Nigerian striker has rediscovered his rhythm, netting six goals in ten appearances across all competitions. A win in Amsterdam could push Galatasaray closer to sealing a spot in the knockout rounds.

Elsewhere, several other Nigerians will also feature prominently across Europe’s biggest stage.

At the Fortuna Arena in Prague tonight, Igho Ogbu and David Moses will line up for Slavia Prague against an in-form Arsenal side that has yet to drop a point in the group stage. The Gunners have scored eight goals and kept a perfect defensive record in Europe, marking them as one of the competition’s top contenders. Slavia Prague, still seeking their first win of the campaign, will need something special to stop Mikel Arteta’s high-flying side and revive their hopes of progressing.

Beyond these headline fixtures, other Nigerian internationals will also be in action. Bruno Onyemaechi’s Olympiacos face PSV Eindhoven tonight.

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In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika is expected to return to Club Brugge’s midfield when they host Barcelona tomorrow. The Belgian side will be desperate to respond after a 4–0 drubbing by Bayern Munich in their last group match. Barcelona, however, arrive in strong form, having recorded back-to-back Champions League victories and a 3–1 La Liga win over Elche at the weekend.

Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta clash with Olympique Marseille tomorrow, while George Ilenikhena’s Monaco travel to Norway for a tricky tie against Bodø/Glimt tonight.

In Portugal, Bayer Leverkusen with Nathan Tella will strive to return to winning ways after their 3-0 mauling at Bayern Munich when they face Jose Mourunho inspired Benfica tomorrow.

As Matchday 4 unfolds, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen — the man in form and at the heart of Galatasaray’s European dream — as he leads Nigeria’s contingent into another crucial week of Champions League football.

UCL: TODAY’S  MATCHES

Napoli vs. Frankfurt

Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal

Atletico vs. Saint-Gilloise

Juventus vs. Sporting CP

Liverpool vs. Madrid

Olympiakos vs. PSV

PSG vs. Bayern

Tottenham vs. Copenhagen

• By Daniel Oyekan with Agency Reports

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen was on the score sheet again as Galatasaray came from behind to defeat Göztepe 3–1 in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig match at the RAMS Park Stadium.

Göztepe took a surprise lead in the sixth minute through Efkan Bekiroğlu, silencing the home crowd. However, Galatasaray responded in the 19th minute when Osimhen capitalised on a defensive error to fire home the equaliser, marking his fourth goal in five league matches.

The match’s momentum shifted in Galatasaray’s favour shortly before halftime, when Göztepe’s Malcom Bokele was sent off in the 42^nd  minute for a dangerous challenge on Osimhen — a decision that drew complaints from visiting fans, who accused the officials of favouring the home side.

Despite the controversy, Gabriel Sara put Galatasaray ahead midway through the second half, before Mauro Icardi sealed the win late in the game to ensure the defending champions claimed all three points.

The victory keeps Galatasaray at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table with 28 points, five clear of second-placed Trabzonspor, while Göztepe remain fifth on 16 points.

After the match, Osimhen dismissed complaints about officiating and praised his teammates’ performance.

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 “Rival fans can cry as much as they want on social media. I don’t care — we won the match and deserved it,” the Nigerian striker said.

He also commended coach Okan Buruk, describing him as both a great tactician and a mentor.

 “Okan Buruk is a great person. Besides being a great coach, he’s also a great human being. We’re ready to give everything for him,” Osimhen added.

The 26-year-old striker, who has quickly adapted to life in Turkey, has now equalled the 43 goals Buruk scored for Galatasaray during his playing career.

Osimhen further hailed the club’s supporters for their unwavering energy, saying, “Galatasaray fans make crazy noise at every match, boosting our confidence. We are the biggest club in Turkey and one of the biggest in the world.”

Galatasaray will next face Trabzonspor at home, with Osimhen warning their title rivals that “they know what they will face” at Ali Sami Yen RAMS Park.

Galatasaray’s Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen has credited his  Galatasaray’s teammates and fans for their collective roles following his impressive performance against Bodo Glimt on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League.

Osimhen scored twice in Galatasaray’s 3-1 win, setting a new personal record in the process.

His third minute opener became the quickest goal in the Champions League by a Galatasaray player while the brace against Bodo/Glimt also meant that he became the first player to score in seven consecutive European Cup matches. The previous record was scoring in six consecutive matches held by Burak Yilmaz.

 But the 26-year-old striker was quick to downplay his personal  feat , stressing  that his achievement was a   product of teamwork.

Read Also: FULL LIST: Osimhen, Salah, others nominated for CAF best player award

“I don’t score these goals alone, and I don’t break these records alone. A big thank you to my teammates and the amazing fans. We’ll keep building on this momentum,” Osimhen said. “I didn’t win this award alone, and I hope my teammates get their fair share of recognition as well.”

Emphasizing his commitment to the club’s success, the Super Eagles star concluded: “Whether through goals, tackles, or assists, my main focus is always to help the team succeed. These records are a result of our collective hard work.”

Nigerian ace grabs brace as Galatasaray  sink Bodo/Glimt in UCL

Nwabali, Bameyi  also listed by CAF

Victor Osimhen  has been named in a short-list of 10  for the  prestigious  CAF Men’s Player of the Year for 2025  following  an announcement by the continental soccer ruling body.

The forward  who grabbed a brace  for Galatasaray  as the Turkish giants  whipped Norwegian side, Bodo/ Glimt  3-1in their UEFA  Champions League  tie at  the Rams Park  last night,  will  fight  for the  coveted individual  continental  award  with nine other outstanding players  including comprised of Andre Frank Zambo-Anguissa(Cameroun) , Fiston Mayele (DR Congo), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) , Denis Bouanga (Gabon), Serhou Guirassy(Guinea) , Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco), Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)  and Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal) .

Osimhen,  proud winner of the award in 2023, displayed imperious performance  in his first season at Galatasaray as he helped  the Turkish giants  to a  domestic double of Turkish Süper Lig title and  Turkish Cup .He personally finished as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals in 30 games. He has equally  showed his proficiency  in national team colours and remarkably  scored  a  hat trick as  the Super Eagles decimated  The Cheetahs of  Benin 4-0  in their last  group qualifier to secure a place in the African Play-Offs towards  qualification for the 2026 FIFA  World Cup .

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Apart from Osimhen, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi have been nominated for this year’s continental awards.

While Nwabali is in the running for the Goalkeeper of the Year, Bameyi is in the reckoning for the Young Player of the Year after he led the Flying Eagles to the Round of 16 of the 2025 U20 World Cup in Chile.

Meanwhile, Osimhen’s rich vein of form  continued last night  after scored twice and contributed to another as Galatasaray recorded their second successive Champions League win in comfortable fashion against Bodo/Glimt.

The 26-year-old striker  grabbed  his first half brace in the  3^rd and 33^rd minute and assisted  Yunus Akgun after the break to seal back-to-back wins in the competition for the first time since December 2012.

His  double last night  also meant he became the first Galatasaray player to score in seven consecutive games in major European competitions, breaking the mark set by Burak Yilmaz between October 2012 and March 2013.