Ajax manager John Heitinga could only watch in disbelief as Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass in finishing, firing Galatasaray to a dominant 3-0 victory in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.
The Nigerian striker was simply unstoppable, netting a sensational hat-trick that powered the Turkish champions closer to a place in the Champions League knockout stages. Meanwhile, Ajax’s struggles continued, with the Dutch giants still searching for their first point after four matches.
“We didn’t give much away in the first sixty minutes – we were in the game,” Heitinga told Ziggo Sport after the match. “But Osimhen showed his quality. That first goal was a real striker’s goal. We have to defend better.”
Despite the scoreline, Heitinga praised his players for their courage and improved structure, noting that his new midfield setup managed to limit Galatasaray’s rhythm for much of the contest before Osimhen’s brilliance took over.
“I have to compliment the team for trying to build from the back and making good decisions,” he added. “There are positives, but the difference tonight was Osimhen.”
Osimhen’s European Dominance Continues
Osimhen’s treble not only sealed a memorable night for Galatasaray but also elevated him to the top of the Champions League scoring chart with six goals, surpassing Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane.
The Super Eagles forward has now scored in all three group-stage matches he’s played — twice against Bodo/Glimt, once against Liverpool, and now three times versus Ajax.
His heroics in Amsterdam made him:
- The second Galatasaray player ever to score a Champions League hat-trick (after Burak Yılmaz in 2012).
- The first Nigerian since Yakubu Aiyegbeni (2002) to net three goals in a single Champions League match.
Galatasaray Rising, Ajax Reeling
While Ajax remain rooted to the bottom of the group with four straight defeats, Galatasaray are soaring high. The Turkish champions now sit second in their group with nine points from a possible twelve, firmly on course for the knockout rounds.
Osimhen’s ruthless display has not only boosted his team’s European campaign but also reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most lethal strikers in world football.