In a commanding display on Wednesday night, Victor Osimhen delivered a landmark performance, propelling Galatasaray to a 3-0 victory over Ajax Amsterdam at the Johan Cruyff Arena and ascending to the summit of the UEFA Champions League scoring chart.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a decisive header from a cross by Leroy Sané, and then converted two penalties in the 66th and 78th minutes after hand-ball offences by Ajax defenders, Youri Baas and Gerald Alders.
With this treble, Osimhen has now scored six goals in four Champions League matches this season, placing him ahead of leading names and firmly at the top of the scoring list.
Beyond the immediate boost to Galatasaray’s campaign—including rising to nine points from four games, and a best-start finish so far—Osimhen also added several significant records to his name:
He is now Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in UEFA club competitions, having overtaken Obafemi Martins.
He has become only the second Nigerian player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League, following Yakubu Aiyegbeni in 2002.
He has now scored in eight consecutive UEFA matches (including Europa League/Champions League appearances).
He is the first Galatasaray player to win three consecutive Man of the Match awards in Champions League games.
He is the first Galatasaray player to score a brace (two or more goals) in back-to-back group-stage games.
Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk praised Osimhen’s attitude and finishing acumen. Despite a goalless first half, the team remained patient and struck when the chances came. Ajax, meanwhile, endured a fourth straight defeat and remain at the bottom of the group standings.
In his interview after the match, Osimhen dedicated the performance to the collective discipline of the Galatasaray squad: “This is just one step – we’ll keep fighting to bring glory to Galatasaray and our fans.”
This night will be remembered as a defining moment in Osimhen’s career and for the club — not only for the hat-trick itself but for asserting dominance on Europe’s biggest stage.
