Victor Osimhen becomes first Nigerian to reach double figures in Champions League goals

Victor Osimhen delivered the decisive moment as Galatasaray stunned Liverpool 1-0 in Istanbul, handing the Premier League side their first defeat of this Champions League campaign and condemning them to back-to-back losses after Saturday’s 2-1 setback at Crystal Palace.

The Nigerian’s 16th-minute penalty secured Gala’s first points of the competition following a heavy 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 1, while also etching his name into history as the first Nigerian to reach double figures in the Champions League.

The goal moved him beyond Obafemi Martins, who had stopped at nine, and added Liverpool to a list of English opponents he has scored against; Leicester City, Chelsea and now Arne Slott’s side. 

Victor Osimhen'in golünde stattan çıkan ses
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— no context gala (@galaconttext) September 30, 2025

Osimhen’s numbers against Liverpool

Osimhen has thrived since his loan move from Napoli, and Tuesday’s strike marked his 40th goal in just 43 appearances for the Turkish champions. 

His first start since the international break offered more than a single flash of influence; it reaffirmed his place as one of the continent’s most clinical forwards.

The 26-year-old played 72 minutes before being replaced by Mauro Icardi, leaving behind a performance full of intent and presence. 

He registered three shots on target, saw one attempt blocked, and made 21 touches across the attacking third. His link-up play was near faultless, completing eight of nine passes, and he imposed himself physically, winning three of four ground duels.

The penalty alone carried an expected goals value of 0.93, underlining its significance, but the broader picture was a striker unsettling Liverpool’s defence with relentless movement.