AMSTERDAM — Victor Osimhen delivered a standout performance by scoring a hat trick in Galatasaray’s 3-0 triumph over Ajax in Amsterdam on Wednesday, positioning himself at the pinnacle of the Champions League scoring table. The Nigerian striker has now accumulated six goals in this season’s elite European competition, surpassing notable players such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland, who each have five. Osimhen’s remarkable talents are evident, considering he was secured by Galatasaray from Napoli during the summer for a record transfer fee of approximately €75 million ($86 million), a testament to his value. In an impressive display, Osimhen completed his hat trick in under 20 minutes. He opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a header from a Leroy Sané cross. He then converted two penalty kicks in the 66th and 78th minutes, leaving Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer with no chance to intervene. “We have a goal. We know what we want, and we understand the level of performance required in the Champions League,” Osimhen stated in an interview with Galatasaray TV. “We aim to compete with the elite. While it will not be easy, we will progress step by step. We possess the individual quality to challenge every team.” Earlier in the group stage, Osimhen scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool, also from the penalty spot, and contributed two goals in a 3-1 win against Bodø/Glimt. Galatasaray has now secured three consecutive victories, currently sitting in ninth place with nine points halfway through the league phase. Prior to his move to Galatasaray, clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Saudi club Al Ahli had shown interest in Osimhen. After joining Galatasaray on loan in September 2024, he played a crucial role in their league and Cup success, netting 26 league goals and five in the Cup during his debut season in Turkey. Post navigation Lionel Messi Honored with Key to Miami by Mayor Suarez
