Osimhen Makes Galatasaray History with Back-to-Back UCL Braces

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen etched his name into Galatasaray’s history books on Wednesday night, becoming the first player ever to score braces in consecutive UEFA Champions League matches. The 26-year-old delivered a sensational performance as Galatasaray cruised to a 3–0 win over Ajax in Amsterdam.

Osimhen, who had already bagged two goals against Bodo/Glimt on the previous matchday, followed up with another breathtaking display that completely dismantled Ajax’s defence. He scored all three goals — a header and two penalties — in a one-man show that left the Dutch side with no answers.

Ajax coach John Heitinga had publicly outlined his “smart defensive plan” to stop the Nigerian, but Osimhen made that strategy look meaningless. After his first goal, the match turned into a masterclass in finishing and composure.

With his second goal of the night — his fifth in two consecutive UCL outings and sixth this season — Osimhen reached a historic milestone. Galatasaray quickly celebrated the achievement online, confirming him as the first player in club history to achieve such a feat.

His hat-trick also carried wider significance. Osimhen became only the second Nigerian, after Yakubu Ayegbeni in 2002, to score a Champions League hat-trick. He also surpassed Obafemi Martins’ record to become the highest-scoring Nigerian in UEFA competitions with 25 goals.

Substituted in the 80th minute to a standing ovation, Osimhen’s dominant display not only secured Galatasaray’s third straight UCL win but also cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.