Galatasaray shocked? Surprising claim behind Osimhen’s MOTM award ahead of Batrakov

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was named Player of the Match after Galatasaray beat Lille 4-2 in the Champions League.

However, a claim from Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük has emerged about why the Nigerian international received the award ahead of Russian midfielder Aleksey Batrakov.

Galatasaray came from behind to secure their first win of the 2026-27 Champions League league phase at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Wednesday.

Osimhen scored Galatasaray’s fourth goal, while Batrakov scored Lille’s equaliser before half-time and later assisted the Nigerian’s strike.

According to Küçük, Galatasaray officials and players were surprised that Osimhen received the award ahead of Batrakov.

The journalist also claimed that Batrakov was overlooked because of his Russian nationality, suggesting that lobbying influenced the decision. There is, however, no confirmed evidence that UEFA’s decision was politically motivated.

Osimhen and Batrakov made their mark against Lille

Osimhen played 85 minutes against his former club, causing Lille problems with his movement and physical presence.

The striker thought he had won a penalty in the first half, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

He eventually found the net in the 61st minute, firing home with his right foot after Batrakov carried the ball forward and set him up.

Osimhen did not celebrate the goal out of respect for Lille, where he played during the 2019-20 season.

Batrakov had also made his mark before the break. After Soriba Diaoune scored twice to put Lille ahead, the 21-year-old midfielder equalised in the 44th minute to make it 2-2.

He played 85 minutes, completed 24 of his 28 passes and later provided the assist for Osimhen’s goal.

Both players scored, but Batrakov also set up a goal, while Osimhen kept Lille’s defenders busy with his runs and pressing.

Victor Osimhen extends Champions League mark

Osimhen’s goal took his Champions League tally to 17, extending his record as Nigeria’s highest-scoring player in the competition proper.

He also reached 14 European goals for Galatasaray, setting a new mark for a foreign player at the club in European competitions.

After the match, Osimhen spoke warmly about returning to Lille.

“I love this stadium a lot. There is an incredible fan base. We played a tough match; they even took the lead. I’m very happy with our team and the victory we achieved together,” he said.

The striker also hit back at criticism of his European performances.

“Nobody can teach me how to play with the ball or how to score goals. I’m one of the best strikers in the world,” he added.

Osimhen has seven goals and three assists across all competitions for Galatasaray this season.