Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has expressed his delight after etching his name into the club’s history books with a record-breaking performance in their 3-0 victory over Bodø/Glimt on Thursday night.
The Super Eagles forward scored twice, netting in the third and 33rd minutes, to lead the Turkish giants to an emphatic home win that saw him surpass club legend Burak Yılmaz’s long-standing European scoring record.
Osimhen’s double strike made him the first player in Galatasaray’s history to score in seven consecutive European matches, breaking Yılmaz’s previous mark.
The 26-year-old, who penned a permanent four-year deal with the club in August, had already found the net against Tottenham Hotspur, AZ Alkmaar, Dynamo Kiev and Ajax in last season’s UEFA Europa League before extending his remarkable streak with a goal against Liverpool in Galatasaray’s last Champions League outing.
His opening goal, which came just three minutes into the match, also set another milestone as Galatasaray’s fastest ever scored in the Champions League. The Nigerian international followed up with a composed finish before the break to double the lead, earning a standing ovation from the home supporters when he was substituted.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Osimhen appeared genuinely surprised when informed of his latest achievement.
“Really? Burak Yılmaz is a great legend,” he said. “Just being mentioned in the same sentence as him is a great honour for me.”
Since joining the Turkish champions last season, Osimhen has been in blistering form, recording 42 goals and eight assists in 49 appearances whilst helping the club secure two trophies.
The former Napoli striker was also named Player of the Match in both of his last two Champions League outings, first following his decisive display against Liverpool and again after his brace against Bodø/Glimt.
Osimhen’s outstanding performance has strengthened Galatasaray’s European campaign, with manager Okan Buruk’s side now sitting in a stronger position in the Champions League standings after recording two victories and one defeat in their opening three matches.
