Victor Osimhen showcased not only his football prowess but also his personal side during Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory over Goztepe on Saturday. The 26-year-old striker opened the scoring with a perfectly executed penalty, but it was his post-goal celebration that captured the hearts of fans and football pundits alike.
As the ball hit the back of the net in the 10th minute, giving Galatasaray a crucial early lead, Osimhen pointed to the heavens before running toward the touchline. With a grin on his face, he called for a customized Galatasaray jersey from the bench. When it arrived, the jersey displayed the words: “Happy birthday, Tony and Toby.”
The special birthday message was dedicated to Tony Elumelu’s twin sons, Tony and Toby, who had just celebrated their 10th birthday. The Nigerian business magnate had shared a heartwarming moment with his followers on social media, revealing that Osimhen had made the gesture a week prior.
“Throwback to last week when Victor Osimhen promised the T-Men to dedicate his next goal as their 10th birthday gift—and, as always, he delivered in style,” Elumelu posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Osimhen’s goal in the 10th minute was a critical one for Galatasaray, putting them on track to extend their unbeaten streak and further solidify their lead in the Turkish Süper Lig. As he slotted the penalty past Goztepe’s goalkeeper Mateusz Lis, Osimhen was visibly confident, sending Lis the wrong way.
This was not just any goal for Osimhen. It marked his 10th league strike for Galatasaray since making the high-profile transfer to the club in mid-2024. Following the match, Osimhen took to X to express his joy at the goal and to honor his friend, Tony Elumelu. “The goal was for the T-Men,” he tweeted, referring to the twins. “Happy to share in this special moment with the Elumelu family!”
While Osimhen’s dedication certainly took center stage, his club’s response to his post-goal antics added a lighthearted twist to the event. Galatasaray’s official Twitter account playfully responded to Osimhen’s gesture, admitting, “We’re not sure who they are,” as they joined the celebratory mood. However, Tony Elumelu’s swift explanation made it clear that the gesture was not just a spontaneous act but the fulfillment of a promise made in earnest.
This heartwarming moment underscored the connection between Osimhen and the Elumelu family, further elevating the star’s reputation not only as a talented footballer but also as a man who cherishes his relationships off the field. Osimhen and Elumelu have been long-time friends, and the Nigerian striker had earlier vowed to commemorate the twins’ birthday with a special goal dedication during his next match, a promise he delivered flawlessly.
As if the personal touch wasn’t enough, the impact of the win was immediately felt in the league standings. Galatasaray’s victory, paired with their solid defense and attacking prowess, ensured that the team remained 11 points clear at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig table. The match also offered a perfect opportunity for Osimhen to underline his significant role in the team, continuing his stellar form since arriving from Serie A giants Napoli.
With Galatasaray comfortably perched atop the league, the victory against Goztepe reaffirmed their championship aspirations and maintained their status as the team to beat in Turkey this season. The addition of Osimhen, with his prolific goal-scoring record, has clearly been a boost for Galatasaray as they push for their next league title.
Despite the team’s success, it was the celebration after the match that stole the spotlight. Fans and pundits alike took to social media to praise Osimhen for his sportsmanship and loyalty to his friend’s family. His goal celebration has quickly gone viral, garnering widespread praise not just for his skills on the field but also for his ability to make the moment deeply personal and meaningful.
Galatasaray itself expressed excitement over Osimhen’s celebration, but also acknowledged the element of surprise surrounding the specific tribute to the twins. “Osimhen, with his sense of loyalty and heartwarming gesture, reminds us of what makes sports more than just games,” a tweet from the club read. “Football connects us in ways we don’t always anticipate, and today we witnessed another powerful reminder of that.”
This gesture has only added to the narrative of Osimhen as not only an athlete, but a grounded and family-oriented individual who values friendship and memorable moments. As he continues to impress on the field, his personal touch off it only adds to his ever-growing legacy.
As for the Elumelu family, Tony Elumelu shared his gratitude publicly, noting, “Victor is not just a wonderful footballer, but he is also a true friend who keeps his word. I am thankful for his heartfelt gesture.”
Galatasaray fans are undoubtedly hoping this personal connection to the Elumelu family extends into more outstanding performances from Osimhen on the pitch. With a striker of his caliber leading the attack and scoring with consistency, the club’s future looks bright.
The 2-1 win over Goztepe served as another victory in what has been an impressive season for the Turkish giants. Thanks to Osimhen’s goals, Galatasaray is not only in pole position in the league but also showing the kind of unity and camaraderie that is often rare in the world of high-stakes professional football.
