European football’s governing body has once again placed the spotlight on one of Africa’s brightest stars, as UEFA applauds Victor Osimhen for his outstanding Champions League season, even though Nigeria could not secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The recognition comes at a crucial moment for the striker, whose consistency in Europe has continued to draw praise from football analysts and fans worldwide.
UEFA Celebrates Osimhen’s Champions League Brilliance
While the Super Eagles fell short in the race to the next World Cup, UEFA applauds Victor Osimhen for delivering remarkable performances in the Champions League. The Nigerian forward has been one of the most dangerous attackers in Europe this campaign, topping the man-of-the-match charts and leading the scoring table despite missing the opening matchday due to injury.
Osimhen has already scored six goals in the Champions League this season, including a stunning hat-trick against Ajax. His impact has been so significant that UEFA highlighted him as the player with the highest number of man-of-the-match awards so far, outshining global superstars such as Kylian Mbappe, Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk and Marcus Thuram, who each have two.
Nigeria’s Painful World Cup Miss
Despite his incredible form at the club level, Osimhen faced heartbreak with the national team. Nigeria lost out on a direct World Cup spot earlier in the qualifying campaign and eventually headed into continental playoffs in Morocco. After defeating Gabon 4-1 in the semifinals, a match where Osimhen scored twice, the Super Eagles were beaten by DR Congo in the final playoff round.
The striker suffered a knock in the first half of the decisive match and did not return after halftime. His absence left fans worried, and the team struggled to maintain intensity. The match eventually dragged into a penalty shootout, where Nigeria faltered. Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi all failed to convert their spot-kicks, ending the country’s hopes of returning to football’s biggest stage.
Return to Galatasaray and Injury Update
After the disappointing playoff defeat, Osimhen returned to his club, Galatasaray, where further medical examinations confirmed that he had sustained a minor sprain. The club announced that he had already begun treatment, easing concerns from supporters who feared a more serious injury.
Despite this setback, UEFA applauds Victor Osimhen publicly for his resilience, goal-scoring form and leadership on the pitch. The European body posted his achievements on its official X account alongside an image showing the list of top Champions League performers so far this season. The post read: “Most POTM performances so far in 2025/26: Victor Osimhen.”
Dominating Europe With Style
Osimhen has been instrumental in Galatasaray’s European journey. His man-of-the-match performances include:
Liverpool 0–1 Galatasaray – Osimhen scored the winning goal and dominated the attack.
Galatasaray 3–1 Bodø/Glimt – He netted a brace and controlled the entire game.
Ajax 0–3 Galatasaray – The Nigerian star produced a magnificent hat-trick, confirming his status among Europe’s most feared strikers.
With his current form, the forward continues to be the leading name in this season’s Champions League storyline, further validating why UEFA applauds Victor Osimhen even during a period when his national team fell short of global qualification.
How Fans Celebrated Osimhen on X:
@AnalystAdekola said:
“I’m coming for you next, yes you.” – Victor Osimhen is definitely scoring against Union St. G”
@MartinlionkingC said:
“The Greatest Striker in the World Right now. The best Striker in the World Right now. The Greatest Striker of Nigeria All Times. Osimhen is better than Isak Ekitike Gyökeres Martinez Kane Mbappe Šeško and Haaland.”
@ElijahadamsSol said:
“Osimhen is undoubtedly in the ranks of great strikers presently.”
@gezyazz said:
@ArsenalAxessed said:
“All those Haaland goals and no potm performance l? This is why that balon dor shout isn’t as strong”