Victor Osimhen Makes History As First Nigerian To Score 25 European Goals, Fires Galatasaray Past Ajax

According to Ireporter Online, Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen etched his name in European football history on Wednesday night, November 5, 2025, after delivering a breathtaking performance that powered Galatasaray to a commanding 3–0 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam.

The Super Eagles forward became the first Nigerian player ever to reach 25 goals in European competitions and the second to score a hat-trick in the prestigious UEFA Champions League. His stunning display at the Johan Cruijff Arena reaffirmed his status as one of the continent’s most prolific strikers.

Osimhen’s masterclass began in the 59th minute when he rose above the Ajax defence to nod home a pinpoint cross beyond goalkeeper Remko Pasveer. Moments later, he doubled Galatasaray’s advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR check confirmed a handball in the box. He completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute with another expertly taken penalty, sealing a memorable night for the Turkish giants.

The feat saw Osimhen equal a record held by Yakubu Ayegbeni, who was the first Nigerian to net a Champions League hat-trick while playing for Maccabi Haifa in 2002. The 26-year-old’s treble also marked Galatasaray’s first in the competition since Burak Yilmaz’s heroics against Cluj in 2012.

With this milestone, Osimhen surpassed Obafemi Martins to become Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in UEFA competitions. The former Napoli striker now boasts 25 goals across European tournaments, including 15 in the Champions League — the highest tally by any Nigerian in history.

Osimhen’s recent form has been nothing short of extraordinary, earning him three consecutive UEFA Champions League Man of the Match awards this season. He has scored 12 goals in eight European outings and is now just three games away from matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for goals in successive European appearances.

The Nigerian international has become the driving force behind Galatasaray’s resurgence as they aim for their first Champions League knockout qualification in more than a decade.