Victor Osimhen Gunning for Obafemi Martins' Long Term Record in UEFA Champions League

Victor Osimhen Gunning for Obafemi Martins' Long Term Record in UEFA Champions League

Raphael Abiola
updated at September 20, 2023 at 9:22 AM
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  • Victor Osimhen is aiming for another Nigerian record this season
  • The Super Eagles striker is eyeing one of Obafemi Martins' records
  • The Napoli striker could break the record against Braga on Wednesday

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen is aiming to break Obafemi Martins’ long-term UEFA Champions League record when Napoli face Sporting Braga on Wednesday, September 20.

The Nigerian striker is one of the stars to watch out for in the European competition this season as his club hope to build on their quarter-final finish last season.

The Super Eagles star led the Partenopei to the last eight last season, scoring five goals in six games, but they ultimately lost to fellow Italian side AC Milan.

Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli. Photo: Simone Arveda.
Source: Getty Images

Osimhen is aiming to be Nigeria’s all-time highest goalscorer in the history of the competition, a record held by Martins for the past 13 years, according to Goalball Live.

Martins scored nine goals in the competition, including another in the qualifying stage. He currently holds the top spot, with Osimhen not far behind with seven goals.

If Osimhen scores a brace against the Portuguese side, he will equal Martins' record, but if scores a hat trick, then he will move past the former Inter Milan striker.

Osimhen still has more chances to break the record, as he is due to play six group games if he does not get injured.

Osimhen has the tough task of leading Napoli to the second round as they are paired with European giants Real Madrid, Union Berlin, and Braga in Group C.

Osimhen on challenging Yekini's record

Sports Brief earlier reported that Osimhen is edging closer to Nigeria's all-time scoring record, set by the legendary Rashidi Yekini.

The Napoli star is presently fourth on the all-time top scorer list for the Super Eagles with 20 goals in just 27 matches. He faces a huge task in taking the top spot from Yekini, who has 37 goals in 58 games.

Speaking to the media after bagging a hat trick against Sao Tome and Principe, the Super Eagles striker claims he doesn't think he can challenge Yekini for the top spot, according to Soccernet.

Authors
Raphael Abiola photo
Raphael Abiola
Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over five years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015.
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