Nigerian international Victor Osimhen delivered a sensational performance in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, netting his first hat-trick in the competition to lead Galatasaray to a commanding 3-0 away victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The 26-year-old striker’s prolific display not only secured a crucial win for his Turkish club but also saw him achieve several significant milestones.

After a goalless first half, Osimhen ignited the scoreboard in the 59th minute, powerfully heading home from a delivery by Leroy Sané. Just seven minutes later, in the 66th minute, he doubled Galatasaray’s advantage by converting a penalty awarded after a VAR review confirmed a handball inside the Ajax box. Osimhen completed his remarkable hat-trick in the 78th minute, once again from the penalty spot, capitalizing on continued defensive lapses from the home side.

This incredible scoring spree within just 20 second-half minutes propelled Osimhen to the top of the Champions League scoring charts. He now boasts six goals in four matches this season, having previously found the back of the net against Liverpool (once) and Bodo/Glimt (a brace). According to Opta, Osimhen made history as the first player in Galatasaray’s history to score two goals in two consecutive Champions League matches. Furthermore, his hat-trick against Ajax marks the first time a Galatasaray player has achieved such a feat in European tournaments since Burak Yılmaz in 2012 against Cluj. His achievement also makes him the first Nigerian player to score three goals in the Champions League since Yakubu Ayegbeni's hat-trick for Maccabi Haifa in 2002.

Reflecting on the team's ambitions, Osimhen told Galatasaray TV, “We have a goal. We know what we want, and we know the magnitude of performance you need in the Champions League. We want to match up with the elite. It won’t be easy, but we’ll go step by step. We have the individual quality to do damage to every team.” The victory lifted Galatasaray to nine points from four matches, placing them in ninth place overall and just outside the top eight on goal difference.

Osimhen’s standout performance highlighted a productive night for Nigerian players across Europe. In Belgium, midfielder Raphael Onyedika delivered a disciplined and impressive display for Club Brugge in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Barcelona. Onyedika, who was booked in the 32nd minute, played a crucial role in linking defence with attack until his substitution in the 84th minute, helping his side remain in contention for qualification.

Meanwhile, in France, Ademola Lookman was lively and instrumental for Atalanta in their 1-0 away victory over Marseille. The forward was deeply involved in several attacking moves, effectively stretching the French defence, though he notably had a goal disallowed for offside. The evening, however, ended on a controversial note for Lookman, who had a public spat with his coach upon being substituted.

Other key results from Wednesday's Champions League action included Manchester City maintaining their dominant form with a 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, moving them to fourth spot with 10 points. Unlike other English teams, Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by Qarabag FK in Azerbaijan. Bayer Leverkusen edged Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon, strengthening their push for the knockout rounds, while Newcastle United beat Athletic Club 2-0. Inter Milan defeated Kairat Almaty 2-1, and Villarreal suffered a 1-0 defeat to Pafos FC in Cyprus. This series of performances from Nigerian talents across the continent sets a positive tone ahead of their World Cup playoff game against Gabon.