Victor Osimhen etched his name in the record books on Wednesday night, becoming the highest-scoring Nigerian in European competitions after firing a brilliant hat-trick in Galatasaray’s 3-0 win over Ajax.
Following a cagey first half, the Super Eagles striker broke the deadlock in the 55th minute with a towering header from Leroy Sané’s cross. He later converted two penalties to complete his treble and seal a memorable victory for the Turkish giants.
Before the match, Osimhen trailed Obafemi Martins by a single goal, but his three-goal heroics now put him atop the chart with 25 goals in European competitions.
The 26-year-old also joined an elite club, becoming only the second Nigerian after Yakubu Aiyegbeni to score a Champions League hat-trick — Aiyegbeni achieved his in 2002 for Maccabi Haifa against Olympiacos.
Osimhen’s performance also marked Galatasaray’s first Champions League hat-trick since Burak Yılmaz’s treble against CFR Cluj in 2012.
In addition, the former Lille striker has now scored in eight consecutive European matches for Galatasaray, equalling Milan Baroš and Shabani Nonda’s record of 12 European goals for the club.
