Victor Osimhen is set to make history on Tuesday when he features for Galatasaray S.K. against Liverpool F.C. in the round of 16 first leg of the UEFA Champions League at RAMS Park in Istanbul.
The Nigerian striker will make his 26th appearance in the competition, surpassing the previous record of 25 matches held by fellow Nigerian Ahmed Musa. Osimhen had equalled Musa’s record earlier this season.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed an impressive Champions League campaign, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in eight matches. If Galatasaray progress to the quarter-finals, Osimhen could also move closer to or surpass the 28-match record of Nigerian defender Zaidu Sanusi.
Beyond the appearance milestone, Osimhen is also chasing another record. He is one goal away from matching the most goals scored in a single Champions League season by a player representing a Turkish club, a record currently held by former Galatasaray striker Burak Yılmaz, who scored eight goals during the 2012/13 season.
Osimhen heads into the European clash in excellent form. He scored the winner in Galatasaray’s 1–0 derby victory over Beşiktaş J.K. on Saturday, ending the rivals’ 18-match unbeaten run. The goal was his 11th in the Turkish Super Lig this season and extended his goal involvement streak to eight consecutive league matches, during which he has recorded eight goals and four assists.
Across all competitions this season, the striker has produced 18 goals and six assists in 26 appearances.
Osimhen also scored the decisive goal when Galatasaray defeated Liverpool 1–0 earlier in the competition, and he expressed confidence that the team can maintain their momentum in the upcoming match.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his side faces a difficult task in Istanbul, noting the quality of the Turkish champions.
Galatasaray currently lead the Turkish Super Lig with 61 points from 25 matches, seven points ahead of Fenerbahçe S.K., as they aim to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2014.
