Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has expressed deep gratitude after an emotional tribute from Galatasaray supporters ahead of the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash with Liverpool on Tuesday night.
Fans inside RAMS Park unveiled a striking tifo before kickoff that portrayed Osimhen alongside his daughter and his late mother. The artwork carried a heartfelt message: “We are family, and family is everything.”
The tribute struck a deeply personal chord with the Nigerian striker, who has frequently spoken about the influence of his mother, who passed away when he was still very young. Her memory has remained a powerful source of motivation throughout his journey from the streets of Lagos to the top of European football.
After the match, the striker admitted the moment was overwhelming for him.
More Read
“Tonight was emotional for me as I struggled to hold back my tears,” Osimhen wrote on his official Instagram page. “Seeing this show of love from Galatasaray fans honestly is something I will never forget for the rest of my life.”
“From the first day of my life, you welcomed me with so much love and respect, not only me but also my family and the people close to me.”
“Moments like this remind me that football is bigger than just the game. It is love, loyalty, and unity.”
“I promise to continue fighting for this badge, this clubs and these amazing fans with everything I have everytime I step on this pitch. Thank you for making tonight unforgettable. We are family,” the striker concluded.
On the pitch, Osimhen proved his quality once again, providing the assist for the only goal of the game as Galatasaray secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Liverpool, giving the Turkish champions a slim but crucial advantage ahead of the second leg in England.
The assist took Osimhen’s tally in the competition this season to eight goal contributions (seven goals and one assist), the highest by a Nigerian player in a single UEFA Champions League campaign.
The 27-year-old now leads a list of notable Nigerian performers in the competition, surpassing Ademola Lookman, Tijani Babangida, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, and John Utaka who each recorded six goal contributions in the 2024/25, 1996/97, and 2002/03 seasons respectively.
Attention now turns to the decisive return leg at Anfield next week, where Osimhen will look to continue his outstanding form as Galatasaray attempt to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Progression would mark the club’s first appearance in the last eight of Europe’s elite competition since the 2012/13 season
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
