Osimhen received the support of his longtime girlfriend who watched the game from the stands days after showing her love on Valentine's.
Victor Osimhen’s Europa League aspirations were crushed on Thursday night as Galatasaray suffered a brutal exit at the hands of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
Despite his return from suspension and his spirited performance, the Turkish giants failed to overturn their first-leg deficit, bowing out with an aggregate score of 6-3.
The match at Rams Park saw a determined Galatasaray squad attempt to mount a comeback, but the youthful AZ Alkmaar side proved too formidable.
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The Dutch outfit outclassed their hosts with two goals in each half.
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20:39 - 20.02.2025
Heartbreak in Istanbul! Osimhen's Europa dreams shattered as youthful AZ dump Galatasaray out
Victor Osimhen became the latest Nigerian and Super Eagles superstar to crash out of Europe after Galatasaray’s defeat to Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
Osimhen’s effort not enough to save Galatasaray
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AZ Alkmaar drew first blood just before halftime when Seiya Maikuma capitalised on a lucky deflection to break the deadlock.
Despite Galatasaray’s desperate push, Osimhen gave the home fans a glimmer of hope with a stunning half-volley that momentarily reignited belief.
Shortly after, Roland Sallai found the net, equalising for the night with a well-taken finish from Baris Alper Yılmaz’s assist.
But with three more goals needed to force extra time, the clock worked against the Turkish side.
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The match ended in a 2-2 draw, sealing their fate as AZ Alkmaar progressed to the next round.
The defeat marked a crushing end to Galatasaray’s European campaign, leaving Osimhen and his teammates to reflect on what could have been.
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11:13 - 12.02.2025
FIFA ban: Nigeria and 11 other countries that have been suspended by world football body
The world football body recently banned Congo, Pakistan, and Russia from participating in the 2026 World Cup, but they are not the first to be dealt such a blow. Here are 12 countries that have been suspended by FIFA.
Stefanie Ladewig cheers on Osimhen amidst European heartbreak
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Despite the disappointment, Osimhen, 26, found solace in the unwavering support of his longtime girlfriend and mother of his child, Stefanie Ladewig.
Days after spoiling her for Valentine's, the 24-year-old German influencer of Cameroonian descent was present at Rams Park, cheering him on from the stands.
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Stefanie shared a snap from inside the stadium, where she captured the moment the Super Eagles star netted his brilliant volley.
The couple’s relationship, first uncovered by Pulse Sports, has been one of deep support, with Stefanie consistently standing by Osimhen both on and off the pitch.
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22:34 - 15.02.2025
Victor Osimhen makes sure his girlfriend Stefanie Ladewig feels the love on Valentine’s Day
Stefanie Ladewig showed off the romantic gift she received from the Super Eagles star on Valentine's Day.
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13:30 - 18.02.2025
Super Eagles: 4 key areas Eric Chelle has to fix before World Cup Qualifiers
Eric Chelle faces an enormous task as he takes charge of the Super Eagles, and the scale of the challenge ahead cannot be overstated. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers resuming in March, we have identified key issues he must fix if Nigeria are to revive their faltering campaign.