Ex-Man City star Gündoğan reacts to Osimhen’s hat-trick heroics with fiery emoji message

Former Manchester City star and German international Ilkay Gündoğan has joined other football stars to salute Victor Osimhen’s latest UEFA Champions League masterclass, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen stole the headlines on Wednesday night after firing a hat-trick in Galatasaray’s 3-0 victory over Ajax in Amsterdam.

Following this, Osimhen strengthened his position as the UCL’s top scorer and became the second Nigerian to have notched three Champions League goals in a single match after Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

Before Osimhen’s hat-trick against Ajax, FIFA legend Yakubu Ayegbeni was the first African and only Nigerian to have netted a treble in the Champions League. ‘The Yak’ achieved this on September 24, 2002 against Olympiacos – that’s 23 years ago. Yak isn't celebrated enough! pic.twitter.com/EOEOiNEpIT

— Shina Oludare (@sportingshina) November 6, 2025

Gündoğan’s Reaction

Gündoğan took to his Instagram story to applaud Osimhen’s display, dropping three fire emojis while watching the Galatasaray vs. Ajax clash from home.

The reaction spoke volumes, as the former Barcelona midfielder, who plays alongside Osimhen at Galatasaray, recognised the Super Eagles striker’s status in Europe thus far.

Osimhen’s performance also earned praise from Gabon international and his Galatasaray teammate Mario Lemina, who jokingly wrote on X.

“+3, the Lion roared again. @victorosimhen9, you again. Congrats!”

Osimhen’s Unstoppable Form

The 26-year-old striker was unplayable against Ajax, netting twice from the penalty spot and once with a towering header from Leroy Sané’s cross.

His hat-trick took his Champions League tally to six goals in just three appearances, making him the competition’s leading scorer.

He also became the first Galatasaray player to score a hat-trick in Europe since Burak Yılmaz in 2012, and the first ever to score in three consecutive Champions League matches for the Turkish giants.

The Super Eagles forward’s display has drawn comparisons with Europe’s best, as he now leads Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane—all on five goals—in the race for the Golden Boot.

Focus Turns to Nigeria vs Gabon

Osimhen will now turn his attention to international duty, with Nigeria set to face Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal on November 13, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco.

Osimhen will be aiming to go head-to-head with his Galatasaray teammate Mario Lemina and veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.