Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has written his name into Nigerian football history after becoming the nation’s all-time top scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
The 26-year-old hit the milestone on Tuesday night, scoring from the penalty spot in the 16th minute for his Turkish club Galatasaray against Liverpool. The goal took his tally in the competition to 10, one ahead of former Nigerian international Obafemi Martins, who scored nine during his spells with Inter Milan and Newcastle United.
Osimhen’s Champions League journey began with Lille, where he netted his debut goal against Chelsea on October 2, 2019. He added more during his time with Napoli, before reaching double figures with Galatasaray this season.
His success is not confined to Europe’s elite competition. In 2022/23, Osimhen became the first African to win the Serie A Golden Boot, scoring 26 goals for Napoli. His achievements were further recognised when he was crowned CAF African Footballer of the Year in 2023, the first Nigerian to win the award since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
Osimhen’s record-breaking strike cements his status as one of Africa’s brightest football stars and a central figure in Nigeria’s proud tradition on the European stage.
