Liverpool slayer Victor Osimhen admits he is still short of full power as 2026 WCQ reckoning looms

Victor Osimhen may have fired Galatasaray to a famous 1–0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League, handing the Reds back-to-back defeats and their first loss of the European campaign but the striker’s own admission after the game cast a shadow over Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.

The former Napoli forward revealed he is still far from full fitness despite scoring his 10th Champions League goal and 40th in Galatasaray colours, insisting he is operating at “40 to 50 percent” following his injury layoff. 

The timing is particularly concerning for Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles, who sit third in Group C of CAF qualifying on 11 points, three behind Benin and South Africa. Only the group winners qualify automatically, with runners-up facing a playoff lottery.

Player of the Match: Victor Osimhen 🏆👍#UCL | #POTM pic.twitter.com/eIzPhyyE9v

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 30, 2025

“I’m not 100 percent ready, but they did a good job on the transformation from injury,” Osimhen told reporters. “I am now at 40, 50 percent. I can get tired, and there may be times when I can’t continue. I had cramps, my wrist felt like it was burning. When I am tired, I give my signal and leave.”

Osimhen reflects on missed chances vs Liverpool 

The 26-year-old lasted 72 minutes before being replaced by Mauro Icardi, but still had opportunities to add to his tally. He came closest in the second half, denied by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, a miss he later described as part of a striker’s reality.

“The things I think about when I miss the chance are a bit normal in football,” he said. “The goalkeeper was able to predict well, but I believed I could do better. As a striker, sometimes you score, sometimes you miss. Three points is the most important. That’s what we need to focus on.”

Osimhen’s goal not only gave Galatasaray their first Champions League win of the season but also piled further pressure on Liverpool, who have now lost consecutive matches following their weekend defeat at Crystal Palace.