Victor Osimhen’s return to action for Galatasaray has been nothing short of spectacular. After missing their 4-1 Europa League loss to AZ Alkmaar due to injury, the Nigerian striker made his mark in Monday’s Turkish Super League clash against Rizespor, scoring a match-winning brace that sent the Lions top of the table, six points ahead of arch-rivals Fenerbahce.
In what had been a nervy encounter for Galatasaray, Osimhen proved why he is such a critical asset for the Turkish giants. The match at the Türk Telekom Stadium had its fair share of drama, but it was Osimhen’s clinical finishing that sealed all three points, lifting his team to a much-needed 2-1 victory.
A Slow Start, Then the Osimhen Show
The first half of the match was largely uneventful, with both sides unable to break the deadlock. Galatasaray’s attacking intent was visible, but their efforts were thwarted by Rizespor’s defense, leaving fans in the stadium on edge as they awaited something to spark the game to life.
Osimhen, who had been sidelined for the midweek Europa League clash, quickly made an impact at the start of the second half. Just two minutes after the restart, he rose above the Rizespor defenders to meet a pinpoint cross from Przemyslaw Frankowski. The Nigerian’s header flew past goalkeeper Onur Kivrak and into the back of the net, giving Galatasaray a 1-0 lead in the 47th minute. The roar from the home crowd was deafening as Osimhen celebrated his 14th league goal of the season.
However, Rizespor was far from beaten. In the 54th minute, a swift counterattack saw Abdullahi Sowe slotting home an equalizer for the visitors. The equalizing goal was a blow to Galatasaray’s confidence, and the match took on a more intense tone as both teams pressed for a winner.
Osimhen’s Late Heroics
Just as it seemed the points would be shared, Osimhen showed his predatory instincts in the 86th minute. After a scramble in the box, the striker latched onto a loose ball and fired a powerful shot past Kivrak, securing the three points for Galatasaray and ensuring they extended their lead at the top of the Super League standings.
“I’m just happy we got the three points,” Osimhen said in an interview after the match. “It was a tough game, but my teammates and I fought hard. I’m glad to have helped the team with two goals, but there is still a lot of work to do. We are focused on the next game, especially with Fenerbahce coming up.”
Galatasaray Extends Super League Lead
With the victory, Galatasaray now sits comfortably atop the Turkish Super League with 61 points, six ahead of Fenerbahce, who will be their next opponents in what promises to be a crucial Istanbul derby next Monday. The win also solidified their hopes of clinching the title at the end of the season, with Osimhen continuing to play a pivotal role in their attacking setup.
Despite missing the midweek Europa League defeat to AZ Alkmaar, the Nigerian striker’s goal-scoring form has been a revelation since his arrival at the club on loan from Napoli last summer. The 25-year-old has netted an impressive 14 goals and provided four assists in 18 Turkish Super League appearances. Furthermore, he has found the back of the net five times and added one assist in the Europa League, making him one of the most potent attackers in European competition.
“Victor has been a fantastic addition to the squad,” Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk said after the game. “His professionalism, work rate, and ability to score goals are invaluable. He’s shown time and again that he can deliver when we need him most, and today was another example of that.”
Looking Ahead: Istanbul Derby and Europa League Challenge
The next challenge for Osimhen and his Galatasaray teammates comes in the form of the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce. The clash on February 24 is set to be one of the most anticipated matches of the season. A win for Galatasaray could all but seal their title ambitions, but Fenerbahce will be equally determined to narrow the gap and keep their hopes alive.
“The derby is huge,” Osimhen acknowledged. “It’s always special to play against Fenerbahce, and we’re ready for the challenge. We’ll go there with the intention of winning and showing why we’re at the top of the table.”
Beyond the league, Galatasaray faces a mountain to climb in the second leg of their Europa League playoff against AZ Alkmaar. The team will have to overturn a 4-1 deficit if they are to progress to the next stage, but Osimhen’s confidence is unwavering. “We know it will be difficult, but we are capable of making a comeback,” he added. “We have the players, the spirit, and the determination to do it.”
A Star in the Making
Osimhen’s stunning performances for Galatasaray have confirmed what many already knew: he is one of the brightest young talents in world football. His ability to influence games with his goals, physicality, and intelligent positioning has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.
Nigerian football fans are also taking pride in his success, with many hopeful that his growing stature will inspire a new generation of footballers back home. His commitment to his craft and his ability to deliver under pressure has earned him the admiration of fans and pundits alike.
In just a few months at Galatasaray, Osimhen has firmly established himself as one of the top forwards in Turkey and a key player in the race for the Super League title. If his current form is anything to go by, it is clear that this will be another season to remember for the Nigerian star.
As the race for the Turkish Super League heats up and Galatasaray continues to challenge for honors on both domestic and European fronts, all eyes will be on Osimhen as he strives to lead the Lions to glory.
