Tremendous Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen has etched his identify into European soccer historical past. On Tuesday evening in Istanbul, the 26-year-old striker grew to become the primary Nigerian participant to succeed in double figures within the UEFA Champions League correct; a milestone no compatriot had ever achieved.
Osimhen’s historic second got here on the Rams Park, the place Turkish Tremendous Lig giants Galatasaray hosted reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in a mouth-watering matchday two conflict of Europe’s elite competitors.
A aim that made historical past
Making his first full begin for the Crimson and Gold since coming back from an ankle damage sustained throughout Nigeria’s World Cup qualification double-header in opposition to Rwanda and South Africa, Osimhen confirmed no rust.
Within the sixteenth minute, Galatasaray had been awarded a penalty after Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai fouled within the space. Stepping up with trademark composure, Osimhen despatched Alisson Becker the incorrect method from 12 yards to open his Champions League account for the season and rewrite Nigerian soccer historical past within the course of.
That strike took his tally to 10 objectives within the Champions League correct, making him the outright Nigerian file holder within the competitors.
The place he stands amongst Nigerian legends
Till now, Obafemi Martins has led the Nigerian pack with 9 objectives. Behind them sit Ademola Lookman, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, all tied on 5. By hitting double figures, Osimhen has climbed a rung no different Nigerian has reached.
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A profession constructed on milestones
Osimhen’s rise has been relentless. From a FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Boot in 2015 to firing Napoli to a Serie A title, and now spearheading Galatasaray’s assault in Europe, he has constantly damaged limitations for Nigerian strikers on the continent.
This newest feat at Rams Park not solely underlines his standing as Africa’s most feared marksman but in addition indicators that Nigerian forwards are as soon as once more redefining excellence on Europe’s greatest stage.
