Nigeria’s best in the Champions League: Victor Osimhen’s new record

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has had a stellar UEFA Champions League campaign so far in the 2022/2023 season, equalling the most goals scored by a Nigerian player in a single season.

With five goals to his name, Osimhen has now matched the record set by Obafemi Martins during his time with Inter Milan in the 2004/05 season.

Osimhen’s impressive performances have been crucial for Napoli in their quest for European glory this season.

The Nigerian forward kicked off his goal-scoring campaign in the group stage in October, scoring in Napoli’s 4-2 victory over Ajax. He then scored in the first leg of the round of 16 match against Eintracht Frankfurt, helping Napoli secure a crucial 2-0 win away from home.

Osimhen continued his goal-scoring run in the return leg against Eintracht Frankfurt, netting two goals in a 3-0 victory. His most recent goal came on Tuesday night in Napoli’s 1-1 draw with AC Milan in the quarter-finals, where he scored a stoppage-time equaliser for his team.

Osimhen’s achievement is particularly significant as he has equaled the record set by one of Nigeria’s most prolific goal-scorers, Obafemi Martins.

Martins is remembered for his remarkable stint with Inter Milan, where he scored five goals in the 2004/05 season, helping the club reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

Before Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni held the record for the most goals scored by a Nigerian player in a single Champions League season, with four goals for Maccabi Haifa in the 2002/03 season.

Victor Ikpeba also scored four goals for AS Monaco in the 1997/1998 season, while Tijani Babangida scored three goals for Ajax in the 1996/1997 season.

With Napoli out of the Champions League, Victor Osimhen will direct his attention at the Italian Serie A where the Neapolitans are on course to win their first title in over 30 years.

The 24-year-old is favourite to become the first African player to win the top scorer award in the Italian top flight as he currently has 21 goals, seven more than his closest challenger.