Victor Osimhen made history on Tuesday night, scoring the decisive goal that fired Galatasaray to a famous 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League at the RAMS Park in Istanbul.
The Nigerian forward, returning to full fitness after an ankle injury, delivered a landmark moment for both himself and Galatasaray.
Starting for the first time since his brief weekend cameo in the Super Lig, Osimhen justified his manager’s faith with a clinical strike that separated the two sides.
Historic Champions League moment for Osimhen
Osimhen’s 16th-minute spot kick was more than just the match-winner. It lifted Galatasaray past their visitors and carved the 26-year-old’s name deeper into the history books.
The Super Eagles striker became the first Nigerian player to reach double figures in UEFA Champions League goals, overtaking Obafemi Martins’ long-standing record of nine.
Equally remarkable, he is now the first Nigerian to score in the competition for three different clubs — Lille, Napoli, and now Galatasaray.
Tuesday’s goal was Osimhen’s third in just five appearances for the Turkish champions this season, adding to his two domestic league goals.
His scoring touch against English sides also remains strikingly sharp, as he has now netted six times in six Champions League matches against Premier League teams.
Beyond the record books, Osimhen’s movement and composure kept Liverpool’s defence on edge throughout his 72 minutes on the pitch before being replaced by Mauro Icardi.
Osimhen’s spot-kick proved decisive as Galatasaray earned their first UEFA Champions League points of the campaign and handing the Premier League giants a second consecutive defeat.
Liverpool, still licking their wounds from a league loss to Crystal Palace, looked unsettled in the intimidating atmosphere of Rams Park.
Alisson kept out an early strike from Barış Yılmaz but was later beaten from the spot after Dominik Szoboszlai brought down the Turkish forward in the box.
The visitors’ disjointed display continued throughout the contest, compounded by Alisson picking up an injury while blocking Osimhen’s second-half effort.
Even with late substitutions and a penalty call overturned by VAR, Liverpool were unable to pierce the resilient Galatasaray defence and now turn their attention to a crucial clash with Chelsea under mounting pressure.
Lookman shines as Atalanta break through
While Osimhen commanded the spotlight in Istanbul with man-of-the-match award, another Nigerian star was making waves in Bergamo.
Ademola Lookman returned to Atalanta’s starting XI and played a key role in their 2-1 comeback victory over Club Brugge — their first Champions League win of the season.
After Tzolis gave Brugge an early lead, Atalanta equalised through a Samardzic penalty won after Pasalic was fouled. Pasalic then scored the late winner from a corner to seal all three points for the Serie A side.
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