Super Eagles Star Victor Osimhen Puts Fear in Liverpool Camp Ahead of Champions League Clash
Published 28 Feb 2026 at 3:04 PM by Chukwu Ikechukwu
Victor Osimhen is already emerging as a significant problem for Liverpool ahead of their highly anticipated UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Turkish champions Galatasaray. The Nigerian striker, who plays a pivotal role for Galatasaray, previously demonstrated his ability to hurt the Premier League side during the group stage of the competition.
Osimhen's Previous Impact Against Liverpool
Earlier this season in Istanbul, the Super Eagles star calmly converted a penalty to secure a crucial 1-0 victory over Liverpool. That result has not only given Galatasaray substantial belief ahead of their upcoming showdown but has also added a layer of tension to the draw. Osimhen's clinical finishing and presence on the field underline his immense importance to the Turkish team, making him a focal point of Liverpool's defensive preparations.
The memory of that defeat remains fresh for Liverpool, and the task now is to avoid a repeat scenario when they return to Turkey for the first leg. Interestingly, the 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year winner had previously hinted that he wanted to avoid another meeting with Liverpool, but fate has delivered this compelling clash regardless.
Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Sounds Warning
Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not hide his concern after the draw was confirmed. Speaking to Liverpool's official website, the Reds manager admitted his side expected a difficult opponent and believes Galatasaray perfectly fit that description. His comments reflected both realism and determination, acknowledging that his team must raise their level compared to their last visit to Istanbul.
Slot stressed that the away leg will be decisive, pointing to Liverpool's struggles in Turkey earlier in the campaign. The Dutch coach emphasized the need for his players to learn from that experience, particularly against a striker as clinical as Osimhen. He also highlighted Galatasaray's recent European exploits, including their strong performance against Juventus, as proof that the Turkish giants are dangerous opposition.
At the same time, Slot welcomed the challenge, describing the tie as the reward for Liverpool's hard work in the league phase. He insisted the English giants will be fully prepared when the knockout rounds resume, with the focus remaining on avoiding early mistakes.
Quarter-Final Implications and Match Details
According to Sky Sports, the first leg will take place in Istanbul on either March 10 or 11, with the return match at Anfield a week later. Beyond this round, the reward is no easier, as the winner will advance to a quarter-final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea, ensuring that the road to the final remains packed with elite opposition.
That makes the clash with Galatasaray even more significant, as progress would come at a high price. The draw has set up what promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Osimhen's threat looming large over Liverpool's Champions League ambitions.
Related Champions League Developments
In a related development, UEFA have confirmed the knockout stage bracket for the 2025/26 Champions League after the draw was held in Switzerland on February 27, 2026. The draw served up several interesting matches, including what has become a seasonal knockout stage affair between Manchester City and Real Madrid.
As the football world turns its attention to these crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on how Liverpool handles the Osimhen challenge and whether they can overcome their Turkish opponents to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
