Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen reached a historic milestone in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, becoming the first Nigerian player to hit double figures in the competition’s history (excluding qualifiers).
The 26-year-old was handed a starting role by manager Okan Buruk as Galatasaray hosted Premier League champions Liverpool in a Group Stage clash at Rams Park.
Making his first full start since recovering from an ankle injury sustained during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, Osimhen converted a 16th-minute penalty after Dominik Szoboszlai fouled inside the box. The striker calmly beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker from the spot to record his first Champions League goal of the season.
That strike moved his tally to 10 goals in the Champions League proper, setting him apart from fellow Nigerians. Obafemi Martins trails closely with nine goals, while Ademola Lookman, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni each have five.
