… Against Liverpool today

Victor Osimhen will be in contention to break a Champions League record if handed minutes by Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk in today’s UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi.

The former African Footballer of the Year has scored nine career goals in the competition, drawing level with former Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins.

One more goal would see Osimhen become Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the Champions League proper and the first Nigerian player to reach double figures in the competition.

While Martins netted nine times in 34 Champions League appearances, Osimhen needed just 17 games, hitting nine goals in his first 16 matches.

The 26-year-old has scored against seven different opponents in the competition — Chelsea, Valencia, Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, AC Milan, Sporting Braga and Barcelona.

He struck twice during his spell at Lille and added seven goals while at Napoli.

However, Osimhen enters the Liverpool fixture short of match fitness, having played only five minutes of competitive football since sustaining an ankle injury during Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda earlier this month.

Only seven Nigerian forwards have ever managed more than three goals in the Champions League proper.

Alongside Osimhen and Martins, the list includes Victor Ikpeba (7), Nwankwo Kanu (5), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (5), Ademola Lookman (5) and Samuel Chukwueze (4).

Meanwhile, the Nigerian went through a late fitness test yesterday to determine if he would be fit enough for the Liverpool game.

Galatasaray coach, Okan Buruk has revealed that Osimhen had a late fitness test to determine his availability for today’s mouthwatering Champions League clash at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi.

His involvement against the Premier League champions remains uncertain, with the coaching staff set to make a late call.

In quotes relayed by habersarikirmizi.com, Buruk told reporters on Monday: “Victor continued training. We will see how he was in the last training session today.

“It is positive that he played 10 minutes in the last match and continued training. We will look at his condition today and make a decision.”

Osimhen’s potential inclusion would be a major boost for the Turkish champions as it prepares to face Arne Slot’s side in Istanbul.

The 26-year-old is regarded as Galatasaray’s key attacking threat, and his return could significantly strengthen their chances of securing a result against the six-time European champions.