Victor Osimhen has never beaten Barcelona: 3 facts to know before Galatasaray clash

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will be one of Galatasaray’s biggest threats when they host Barcelona at a charged RAMS Park on Tuesday night.

However, the 27-year-old Nigerian centre-forward, one of Europe’s most valuable strikers, has a mixed history against the Spanish giants.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has already acknowledged the danger Osimhen poses, with the striker expected to lead the Turkish champions’ attack in their Champions League meeting.

The Super Eagles forward has previously faced Barcelona four times during his spell at Napoli. While he is yet to celebrate a victory against the Catalans, his individual record offers reasons for Galatasaray fans to be optimistic.

Here are three things to know about Osimhen’s record against Barcelona ahead of Tuesday’s encounter.

1. Victor Osimhen has never beaten Barcelona

Victor Osimhen has faced Barcelona four times, recording two draws and two defeats. All four encounters came during his time at Napoli.

Tuesday’s meeting will offer the former Lille star another opportunity to secure his first victory against the Catalans. His previous results show how difficult Barcelona have been to overcome.

Even Galatasaray have had it tough against Barcelona, winning just one of ten previous clashes and picking up only three draws while suffering six defeats.

With Galatasaray playing at home, Osimhen will hope to change that history and help the Turkish giants claim a crucial result.

2. The Nigerian has a goal and an assist against Barcelona

Although Victor Osimhen has yet to beat Barcelona, he has not been completely silenced against them in front of goal.

The Nigeria international has registered one goal and one assist across his four meetings with the Spanish side.

Osimhen has often found the freedom and unleash the ability to trouble the Catalans, even when his team has struggled to secure victories.

Barcelona will therefore have themselves to blame if they are not alert to Osimhen’s movement, physical presence and finishing ability, particularly if Galatasaray can supply him with quality chances.

3. Victor Osimhen belongs to an exclusive Nigerian club

Victor Osimhen is one of nine Nigerian players to have scored against Barcelona.

The other eight are Finidi George, Ahmed Musa, Samuel Chukwueze, Christopher Ohenhen, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Ramon Azeez and Kalu Uche.

Finidi, now coach of NPFL side Rivers United, has been the most effective Super Eagles star with a record of three goals and two assists in nine features against Barcelona.

The former Real Betis man is closely followed in the chart by Chukwueze who boasts three goals and one assist versus the Catalans.

Lookman and Musa had two goals each in fixtures involving Barcelona while Ohenhen, Uche, Osimhen, Adams, and Azeez have all shot through Barcelona once.

On Tuesday, Osimhen will have another opportunity to add to his personal record and strengthen his reputation as Nigeria’s leading attacking threat and one of Africa’s finest.