Former Chelsea player, Andy Townsend has praised Victor Osimhen for scoring a crucial goal in the first half of extra time during Galatasaray’s 3-2 defeat to Juventus in a UEFA Champions League knockout phase match in Turin on Wednesday night.

He pointed out how the Nigerian player helped bring the Turkish team out when they were under a lot of pressure.

Juventus were down to ten players for a big part of the game after Lloyd Kelly was sent off, but Manuel Locatelli, Federico Gatti, and Weston McKennie each scored a goal, which made the game go into extra time.

Just before the first half of extra time ended, Osimhen escaped from Federico Gatti and easily put the ball through Mattia Perin’s legs, giving Galatasaray a big advantage in the two-leg match.

The drama kept going in the 119th minute when Barış Alper Yılmaz scored, helping Galatasaray move on to the round of 16.

Osimhen was awarded Player of the Match.

The UEFA Technical Observer Group praised his focus and determination for scoring a goal that helped the team get through despite Juventus being the stronger team.

Townsend pointed out how Osimhen moves and stays calm during the Champions League broadcast.

“As soon as it gets to that side, on his right foot, you can be sure he’ll take the shot right away and definitely hit the target,” he said.

“Great run, he peels off. Gatti’s leg isn’t extending enough, and he shoots the ball past Mattia Perin. It goes around the goalkeeper’s legs, but it’s a centre-forward’s shot.

“Victor Osimhen made a great finish in that moment and he really helped his team get out of jail.”

Osimhen has scored 16 goals in his first 25 games in the UEFA Champions League, putting him in the top group of African scorers in the competition.

He’s behind only Serhou Guirassy, who has 18 goals, and ahead of Didier Drogba, who has 15.