Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen made a triumphant return to Galatasaray's starting lineup for a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Liverpool on September 30, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkiye. His comeback followed a month-long absence due to an ankle injury, and he immediately proved his worth by scoring a pivotal penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after Dominik Szoboslai's arm struck Galatasaray's Baris Yilmaz in the face, leading to a successful conversion by Osimhen, who confidently sent his shot down the middle as Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker dived to his right.

Despite only playing for 72 minutes on the night, Osimhen's goal against the six-time Champions League winners marked a significant personal achievement, setting a new record for a Nigerian player in the competition. This strike was his 10th goal in the UEFA Champions League from just 18 appearances, a feat that officially surpasses Obafemi Martins' previous record of nine goals in the competition proper. While Martins also has 10 Champions League goals in total, one of these came in the qualifying stages, whereas all of Osimhen's goals have been scored exclusively in the main competition, cementing his status as the highest-scoring Nigerian in UEFA Champions League history.

His consistent performance has placed him at the top of an esteemed list of Nigerian football talents in the Champions League. Below is a detailed look at the top-ten Nigerian goalscorers in Champions League history, illustrating Osimhen's rapid ascent:

Victor Osimhen – 18 games, 10 goals, one assist

Obafemi Martins – 34 games, 10 goals, three assists

Julius Aghahowa – 26 games, 7 goals, two assists

Emmanuel Emenike – 13 games, 7 goals, two assists

Viktor Ikpeba – 19 games, 7 goals, two assists

Ayegbeni Yakubu – 9 games, 7 goals, one assist

Ahmed Musa – 29 games, 6 goals, four assists

Brown Ideye – 20 games, 5 goals, one assist

Nwankwo Kanu – 60 games, 5 goals, 13 assists

Emmanuel Dennis – 19 games, 5 goals, two assists

Osimhen’s record-breaking return and goal not only underscore his importance to Galatasaray but also highlight his growing legacy in European football's most prestigious club competition.