Victor Osimhen is poised to make history in the Champions League, and the timing couldn't be better. He's just one goal away from surpassing Obafemi Martins as Nigeria's all-time top scorer in the competition. Standing in his path on Tuesday is a vulnerable Liverpool defence, particularly Ibrahima Konaté, who seems rattled by rumours linking him to Real Madrid.
Konaté's recent performance in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace highlighted his struggles. Jean-Philippe Mateta consistently outmaneuvered him, exposing a lack of focus and confidence. This mirrors Konaté's season thus far: distracted, anxious, and uncertain.
Osimhen, rested for this crucial fixture after recovering from an injury sustained during the international break, doesn't need much playing time to make his mark. He thrives on limited opportunities and preys on hesitation. Konaté, unfortunately, has been providing those openings. The match at Rams Park could very well come down to a decisive battle between a striker eager to prove himself and a centre-back whose mind is elsewhere.
Osimhen's Champions League Record
While sharpness might be a concern – the 2023 CAF Player of the Year has only played five minutes since his injury – even a partially fit Osimhen will be determined to add to his Champions League goal tally. He currently boasts nine goals in the competition, split between Lille and Napoli: two in France, seven in Italy. This ties him with Martins. One more goal will crown Osimhen as the first Nigerian to reach double figures in Europe's premier club competition. He would also move within three goals of Martins in all European club competitions.
A Prestigious Hit List
Osimhen's list of victims includes formidable opponents: Chelsea, Valencia, Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, AC Milan, Sporting Braga, and Barcelona. He enters Tuesday night's game with the potential to add another significant name to that list.
- Just one goal needed to break record
- Konate's form a potential advantage
- Osimhen's sharpness a key factor