Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday night, scoring all three goals as Galatasaray outclassed Ajax Amsterdam 3-0 in their UEFA Champions League encounter at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The hat-trick not only secured a crucial away victory for the Turkish champions but also marked a historic night in Osimhen’s career, cementing his status as one of Europe’s deadliest forwards.
The 26-year-old Super Eagles star was the difference maker in a tightly contested first half that opened up spectacularly after the break. Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, sneaking behind Ajax’s defensive line to meet a perfectly weighted cross from Leroy Sané, heading the ball past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli.
What followed was a masterclass in composure and precision. The Nigerian forward converted two penalties within 10 minutes, both won through Galatasaray’s relentless pressure and intelligent attacking play. The first came in the 71st minute when Sané was brought down in the box, and Osimhen made no mistake from the spot. The second arrived in the 80th minute after a handball by Ajax defender Devyne Rensch, and once again, Osimhen coolly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner to complete his first-ever UEFA Champions League hat-trick.
The trio of goals took Osimhen’s tally to six in the competition this season, placing him at the top of the UEFA Champions League goalscorer chart — ahead of superstars Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé, who each have five.
Osimhen’s Record-Breaking Night
Wednesday’s heroics also carried historic significance. With 25 goals across all UEFA club competitions, Osimhen has now surpassed Obafemi Martins’ long-standing record of 23, making him the highest-scoring Nigerian player in UEFA history. The achievement underscores his steady rise from a promising teenager in Lagos to one of the continent’s most prolific strikers on the global stage.
Osimhen’s performance continues his incredible run of form in Europe. Prior to the Ajax match, he had scored once against Liverpool and twice against Bodø/Glimt, demonstrating remarkable consistency against some of Europe’s toughest opposition.
In a post-match interview, a visibly elated Osimhen dedicated his performance to his teammates and fans.
“It’s a dream night,” he said. “I’m proud of what we achieved as a team. Scoring a hat-trick in the Champions League is special, but what matters most is helping Galatasaray win. I thank my teammates and our supporters — this is for them.”
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk praised the Nigerian’s leadership and efficiency in front of goal, describing him as “a striker of the highest class.”
“Osimhen gives everything — his work rate, his movement, his hunger to score — it’s what every coach dreams of,” Buruk said. “He’s not just scoring goals; he’s inspiring the entire squad.”
Ajax’s Struggles Continue
For Ajax, the defeat deepens an already difficult European campaign. The Dutch side, known for their proud Champions League heritage, looked uncharacteristically flat and disorganized. Despite dominating possession early in the match, they struggled to penetrate Galatasaray’s compact defense led by Davinson Sánchez and Kaan Ayhan.
Ajax manager John van ’t Schip admitted that his team was outplayed, particularly in the second half.
“We started well, but after the first goal, we lost control,” he said. “Galatasaray were sharper and more clinical. We must learn from this because the Champions League is unforgiving.”
The result leaves Ajax at the bottom of their group, with qualification hopes hanging by a thread, while Galatasaray move into second place behind Manchester City, keeping their knockout stage aspirations alive.
A Night to Remember for African Football
Osimhen’s hat-trick has reignited conversations about African excellence in European football. The Nigerian joins a small list of African players — including Didier Drogba, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mané — who have scored hat-tricks in the Champions League.
Sports analyst Samuel Okoro told Africa Live News that Osimhen’s achievement is “a reminder of Africa’s growing impact on global football.”
“He’s carrying the flag for Nigeria and the continent,” Okoro said. “What makes Osimhen special is not just his goal-scoring, but his discipline, his humility, and the energy he brings to every match.”
The Super Eagles forward, who made his international debut in 2017, has long been seen as a symbol of Nigerian football’s new generation — talented, fearless, and global in reach. His record-breaking night in Amsterdam further cements his reputation as a true ambassador for African sport.
Highlights from Other Champions League Matches
Elsewhere in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League fixtures, Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw against Qarabag in Baku, failing to capitalize on a dominant first-half performance. Barcelona played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Club Brugge, while Manchester City continued their strong run with a commanding 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle United claimed a solid 2-0 win against Athletic Club de Bilbao, and Inter Milan edged Kairat FC 2-1 in Kazakhstan to boost their qualification hopes.
But the spotlight of the night belonged firmly to Victor Osimhen, whose hat-trick not only silenced a packed Johan Cruijff ArenA but also reinforced his claim as one of Europe’s most lethal and complete forwards.
Looking Ahead
Galatasaray’s victory puts them in a strong position as the group stage nears its conclusion. The Turkish champions will face Manchester City in their next fixture, a match that could determine their fate in the competition.
For Osimhen, the challenge now is to maintain consistency and fitness as the season intensifies. His ability to perform on big European nights has drawn renewed interest from major clubs across the continent, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea, all reportedly monitoring his progress.
Whatever the future holds, Osimhen’s hat-trick in Amsterdam will stand as a defining moment in his career — a night when the Nigerian forward announced, yet again, that he belongs among football’s elite.
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