Victor Osimhen has made history as the first Nigerian to achieve double figures in the UEFA Champions League. The 26-year-old scored his 10th Champions League goal against Liverpool with a well-placed penalty in the 16th minute. The penalty was awarded following Sosbozakli’s foul on Barış.
He is now the highest Nigerian goalscorer in the Champions League, surpassing the previous record of nine goals held by Obafemi Martins(Obagoal). Osimhen, having recently returned from injury, is not yet fully fit, as seen during the match where he went down injured after interventions from Liverpool’s defence. His finishing was also sloppy at times, as shown when he forced Virgil van Dijk to give away the ball but couldn’t capitalize, hitting a soft shot that was easily saved.
However, Victor Osimhen, making his Champions League debut for Galatasaray, won the Man of the Match award. Aside from that, he improved his personal record against English teams, scoring six goals in six matches — a perfect 6/6 record for the Nigerian international.
For the Galatasaray vs Liverpool match, coach Okan made a bold decision by benching Leroy Sané due to his inability to hold on to the ball. Rolland Sallai, despite being one of Galatasaray’s most consistent players, was also benched in favor of Singo, who is a natural right-back. The decision paid off, as Galatasaray — who had only lost to Frankfurt earlier due to individual defensive errors — were compact in defence throughout the game. Recall that Davinson Sánchez, who is right-footed, was played as the left centre-back and accidentally put the ball into his own net twice.
Additionally, using Ismail Jakobs instead of Eren at left-back proved to be a smart move, as Eren has only been the first-choice option in the league. Jakobs provided timely and critical tackles and even cleared the ball off the line. Galatasaray goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was also outstanding in goal. As for Liverpool, they looked confused and lost on the pitch.