Wednesday night, scoring his first-ever UEFA Champions League hat-trick to guide Turkish champions Galatasaray to a 3–0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The 26-year-old striker, who joined Galatasaray from Napoli earlier this season, continued his blistering form in Europe, finding the back of the net three times in the second half to seal the Turkish side’s third consecutive win in the competition.
Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 59th minute with a towering header that left Ajax goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli rooted to the spot.
Just seven minutes later, he doubled his tally from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.
He completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute, once again from the spot, confidently sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
The Nigerian’s performance set a new milestone, making him the first Galatasaray player ever to score a brace in back-to-back Champions League matches and now the first to record a hat-trick in the competition.
Wednesday’s treble takes Osimhen’s tally to 12 goals in his last eight European appearances — a streak that has made him one of the most in-form strikers in the tournament.
Just two weeks earlier, Osimhen had scored twice in Galatasaray’s 3–1 win over Bodo/Glimt, and before that, he netted the decisive goal in their shock 2–1 victory over Liverpool on matchday three.
Galatasaray’s official English handle celebrated the Nigerian forward’s historic night on X (formerly Twitter), posting:
UEFA’s official Champions League page also hailed the Super Eagles star for his record-breaking display, calling his form “sensational.
The victory solidified Galatasaray’s place at the top end of their Champions League group, with Osimhen’s heroics driving their European resurgence.
His partnership with Leroy Sané, who assisted one of the goals, has also become a focal point of the team’s attacking play.
The two celebrated together after the third goal, symbolising Galatasaray’s growing confidence on the continental stage.
For Osimhen, who left Napoli after leading them to a Serie A title, the hat-trick is another statement of intent confirming his seamless transition to life in Turkey and reaffirming his status as one of Africa’s most lethal finishers.
With three straight Champions League victories and Osimhen in unstoppable form, Galatasaray now look poised for a strong knockout-stage run, one built on the back of Nigerian excellence in Europe’s biggest club competition.
