Osimhen fires Galatasaray into historic Champions League last 16 after Juventus epic

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen once again delivered on Europe’s biggest stage, scoring in extra time as Galatasaray overcame a fierce comeback from 10-man Juventus to reach the Champions League last 16 for the first time in 12 years.

With the tie level at 5-5 on aggregate late in normal time, it was Osimhen who provided the cutting edge when it mattered most.

The Super Eagles forward finished clinically in extra time, restoring Galatasaray’s advantage in a pulsating encounter in Turin and effectively ending Juventus’ hopes of a historic turnaround.

Galatasaray had travelled to Italy holding a commanding 5-2 lead from the first leg in Istanbul. But the hosts mounted a spirited fightback at the Allianz Stadium, threatening to become only the fourth side in Champions League history to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit in a knockout tie.

Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli began the revival with a first-half penalty after Lucas Torreira fouled Khephren Thuram. The momentum appeared to shift further in the Italians’ favour despite them being reduced to 10 men early in the second half.

English defender Lloyd Kelly was initially shown a second yellow card before a VAR review upgraded the decision to a straight red, following a challenge on Baris Yilmaz. The dismissal seemed likely to derail Juventus’ resurgence, yet the hosts responded defiantly.

Federico Gatti tapped in from close range in the 70th minute, and with eight minutes remaining Weston McKennie headed home to level the tie on aggregate, sending the stadium into raptures.

However, as the game stretched into extra time, Galatasaray’s experience and attacking quality began to tell. Picked out by Yilmaz, Osimhen kept his composure to drill a low finish beyond Mattia Perin, silencing the home crowd and swinging the tie back in the Turkish champions’ favour.

With Juventus pushing forward in desperation, Yilmaz added a second goal in the closing moments of extra time to seal a dramatic victory.

For African audiences, Osimhen’s performance underlined his growing reputation as one of the continent’s most decisive forwards in European competition. Calm under pressure and clinical in front of goal, the Nigerian striker once again proved to be the difference in a high-stakes contest.

Galatasaray now advance to the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign, where they will face either Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur.

For Osimhen, it was another statement night — one that reaffirmed his status as a talisman not just for club, but for African football on the grandest stage.