AFCON 2025
In a landmark moment for Nigerian football, Victor Osimhen etched his name into the record books after scoring the only goal as Galatasaray defeated Liverpool 1–0 in their Champions League group stage match.
That goal — a penalty in the 16th minute — propelled Osimhen ahead of his compatriots in the all-time scoring charts for Nigerians in the UEFA Champions League.
Below is a look at the top five Nigerian scorers in Champions League history and how Osimhen’s latest strike changes the standings.
1. Victor Osimhen
With tonight’s goal, Osimhen moves to 10 Champions League goals, making him Nigeria’s outright leading scorer in the competition. He had previously been tied with Obafemi Martins at nine goals.
Osimhen’s tally came in far fewer matches than many of his peers — reaching nine goals in just 17 UCL appearances
2. Obafemi Martins
Before tonight, Martins was widely regarded as Nigeria’s top scorer in the Champions League, with 9 goals in the competition proper.
He scored his UCL goals during spells with Inter Milan (and in European competitions) across multiple campaigns.
3. Julius Aghahowa
The former Super Eagles and Shakhtar Donetsk forward is credited in multiple sources with 7 Champions League goals.
4. Emmanuel Emenike
Also tied at 7 goals in the UCL, Emenike’s goals came across his stints in Russian and Turkish clubs (e.g. Spartak Moscow, Fenerbahçe) in the Champions League and its qualifying rounds.
5. Victor Ikpeba / Ayegbeni Yakubu
Victor Ikpeba is often listed with 7 UCL goals as well. Ayegbeni Yakubu is also recorded tp have scored 7 Champions League goals.
