Controversy As Osimhen’s UCL Heroics Snubbed for Foden in Player of the Week Award

Controversy As Osimhen’s UCL Heroics Snubbed for Foden in Player of the Week Award 

By Niyi Busari 

Manchester City’s Phil Foden has been named UEFA Champions League Player of the Week, narrowly beating Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen despite the Super Eagles striker’s remarkable hat-trick performance for Galatasaray, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

UEFA announced the weekly award following another thrilling round of fixtures, but the decision immediately stirred debate among football fans, many of whom felt Osimhen’s display was more deserving of recognition.

Foden scored twice in Manchester City’s 4–1 victory over Borussia Dortmund, guiding the Premier League champions to another dominant European win. However, Osimhen’s explosive hat-trick in Galatasaray’s away triumph over Ajax drew widespread acclaim, marking several historic milestones.

Osimhen became the first Nigerian to score a Champions League hat-trick since 2002, and the first Galatasaray player to do so since 2012. His performance also made him the competition’s top scorer this season, with six goals, and extended his streak to eight consecutive European games with a goal.

Despite these feats, UEFA’s voting results placed Foden first, followed by Osimhen in second place, Carlos Forbs of Club Brugge in third (after a two-goal, one-assist display against Barcelona), and Arsenal’s Mikel Merino in fourth.

The announcement provoked an immediate backlash on social media. Supporters questioned the outcome, calling it “a robbery” and “an insult to performance.”

One fan wrote: “First Nigerian to score a UCL hat-trick in 22 years. First Galatasaray player since 2012. Top scorer of the competition. Eight straight games with a goal. And he still loses? Unreal.”

Another added: “Osimhen’s header alone was world-class. The man made history, and somehow didn’t win. Nice one, UEFA.”

The controversy underscores a growing perception among fans that UEFA’s fan-voted awards sometimes favour players from bigger clubs or leagues, regardless of statistical or historical impact.

For Osimhen, however, the performance further cements his reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific and influential forwards this season—hat-trick or not, award or not.