Victor Osimhen was the difference-maker as Galatasaray defeated Ajax 3–0 in a crucial UEFA Champions League group stage clash at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
After a tense first half, the Turkish champions took control in the 59th minute when Osimhen met a Leroy Sané cross with a well-timed header to open the scoring. The Nigerian forward extended Galatasaray’s lead minutes later, converting a penalty after a foul inside the box. He completed his hat-trick with another composed spot-kick to seal all three points.
Osimhen’s display earned him the UEFA Man of the Match award and a standing ovation from the travelling supporters. It was a landmark performance — making him the first Galatasaray player to score a Champions League hat-trick in 13 years, since Burak Yılmaz’s treble in 2012.
Milestones and Records for Osimhen
The 26-year-old Super Eagles striker added another page to his growing legacy in European football. By scoring three times against Ajax, Osimhen became the second Nigerian player ever to record a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League, following Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s achievement for Maccabi Haifa in 2002.
The goals also lifted Osimhen to 25 total goals in European club competitions, surpassing Obafemi Martins to become Nigeria’s all-time top scorer on the continent.
This hat-trick continued Osimhen’s remarkable scoring streak — he has now found the net in eight consecutive European matches, a run that brings him within touching distance of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of scoring in 11 straight games.
According to Galatasaray’s official match data, Osimhen has now tallied six goals in the Champions League this season — the highest of any player so far, ahead of Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland.
Read: Super Falcons Qualify For 2026 WAFCON After 3-1 Win
“We Have a Goal” — Osimhen on Galatasaray’s Ambition
Speaking after the match, Osimhen emphasized the team’s focus and belief.
“We have a goal and we know what we want. The Champions League demands consistency and quality. We’re still building, but we’ll take it step by step,” he said.
His manager, Okan Buruk, praised the striker’s leadership and finishing ability, adding that the team’s target is to qualify directly for the knockout rounds.
“Victor gives us confidence. He’s not just scoring; he’s lifting everyone around him,” Buruk said in his post-match interview.
The victory took Galatasaray to nine points from four matches, placing them in a strong position in Group D. The Turkish side also became the first team to defeat Ajax in Amsterdam this season.
A Growing Legacy
Osimhen’s consistency at club level continues to draw attention across Europe. Since joining Galatasaray, he has scored in nearly every major fixture, and his performances have reignited discussions about his standing among the world’s top forwards.
For Nigeria, his success is more than personal — it reflects the steady rise of African talent in elite European football. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, his form offers a major boost for the Super Eagles.
Osimhen and Galatasaray will turn their focus to domestic action this weekend when they face Kocaelispor in the Turkish Super League.
Stay tuned with RefinedNG for verified sports updates, inspiring African football stories, and uplifting global news told with balance and depth. RefinedNG — your number one stop for all things positive.