Victor Osimhen produced a masterclass performance on Wednesday night, netting a brilliant hat-trick to inspire Galatasaray to a commanding 3–0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena in the UEFA Champions League.
The result lifted the Turkish champions to ninth place in the overall group standings and further solidified Osimhen’s reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
Second-Half Explosion from the Nigerian Star
After a tense first half that saw both teams trade early chances, the breakthrough arrived in the 59th minute.
Leroy Sané delivered a teasing inswinging cross from the right, and Osimhen launched himself between two defenders to meet it with a perfectly timed diving header, leaving Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer rooted to the spot.
Seven minutes later, Osimhen was at it again, this time from the penalty spot. Ajax’s Youri Baas was penalized for a handball inside the box, and the Nigerian striker stepped up with trademark composure, rolling his effort into the bottom corner as Pasveer guessed correctly but fell short.
The hat-trick was completed in emphatic fashion in the 78th minute, following another handball incident by the home side. Osimhen made no mistake, blasting the penalty into the top corner to seal a memorable treble.
Champions League Form of His Life
The 26-year-old’s three goals take him to six strikes in just three Champions League matches, placing him at the top of this season’s scoring chart.
Across all competitions, Osimhen now has 11 goals, including two hat-tricks, underscoring his electric form since joining Galatasaray.
Galatasaray’s Complete Performance
While Osimhen grabbed the headlines, Galatasaray’s backline also impressed, keeping a clean sheet and limiting Ajax’s attacking threat throughout the second half.
The win marks an important step in their European campaign as they look to qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time in five years.
Super Eagles Fans Take Notice
Osimhen’s blistering form is a major boost for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who will begin their World Cup playoff campaign next week in Rabat, Morocco.
With his confidence sky-high, fans will be hoping the Galatasaray talisman can carry his goal-scoring momentum into international duty and lead Nigeria back to the global stage.
Osimhen’s heroics in Amsterdam reaffirm why he remains one of Africa’s finest exports, a striker who combines power, precision, and passion in equal measure.
