How English Media Rated Victor Osimhen in Champions League After Winner Against Liverpool
- Victor Osimhen made history on Tuesday night after becoming the first Nigerian to hit double figures in the Champions League
- The Super Eagles forward scored the match-winning penalty in Galatasaray’s 1-0 win over Liverpool at the RAMS Park
- Osimhen was rated the highest player on the pitch by multiple English media organisations after the game
Victor Osimhen made history on Tuesday night as he reached double figures in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first Nigerian player to achieve that milestone.
The Super Eagles forward’s goal from the penalty spot was enough to hand Galatasaray a 1-0 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool at Rams Park.
Source: Getty Images
It was Osimhen’s first full start since returning from an ankle injury picked up during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
The 26-year-old forward showed no signs of fatigue, stepping up in the 16th minute after Dominik Szoboszlai fouled in the box.
Read also
Osimhen calmly sent Alisson Becker the wrong way from 12 yards, marking his tenth goal in Europe’s top club competition.
That goal pushed him clear of Obafemi Martins, who sits on nine Champions League goals, and it also put him ahead of other Nigerian greats like Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and Ademola Lookman.
How Osimhen dominated Liverpool
Beyond the penalty, Osimhen’s presence was felt across the pitch as his physicality and sharp movement constantly unsettled Liverpool’s defence.
The Nigerian forward forced Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate into several uncomfortable situations, creating spaces for others to gain advantage.
Still, the night was not without frustration as Osimhen missed two clear chances that could have widened the scoreline and put the game beyond Liverpool’s reach.
The victory was also significant for Galatasaray, who are aiming to make a strong push in their Champions League group.
Read also
How the media rated Osimhen vs Liverpool
English media outlets were quick to recognise Osimhen’s influence against the reigning Premier League champions.
Source: Getty Images
BBC Sport rated him the highest player on the pitch, awarding him a 7.50 rating. Their match analysis highlighted his decisive penalty and the problems he created for Liverpool’s backline.
GiveMeSport went even further, handing him an 8/10 as they described him as “a handful for Liverpool’s defence all evening,” though they noted he should have scored more given the quality of chances that fell his way.
Statistics-based platform FotMob also gave Osimhen the joint-highest rating of the night with an 8/10, citing his goal and his constant involvement in key attacking moments.
While Osimhen could have been more clinical, his impact was undeniable. The winning goal, coupled with his historic milestone, put him in the spotlight as Galatasaray’s match-winner.
With 10 goals in the Champions League and more matches ahead, the Galatasaray forward has set the stage for an even bigger legacy.
Read also
Osimhen swaps shirts with Van Dijk
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a special moment came when Osimhen exchanged pleasantries with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk before the pair went on to swap shirts.
It was a moment of respect for the duo after producing another night of brilliance on a Champions League night.
Source: Legit.ng
