Victor Osimhen makes second appearance for Galatasaray
Shines with assist in 1-3 victory over Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen delivered a standout performance, leading Galatasaray to a resounding 3-1 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in a heated Turkish Super Lig derby on Saturday night.
In just his second appearance for Galatasaray since his high-profile transfer, the Super Eagles striker responded to Mourinho’s pre-match criticism, which labelled him a “diver,” with a commanding display on the pitch.
Osimhen’s key role in the match came through his playmaking abilities, highlighted by a stunning chest assist to his former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens, who doubled Galatasaray’s lead. This assist not only showcased the chemistry between the two players but also demonstrated Osimhen’s multifaceted impact, contributing both offensively and defensively.
The derby had attracted significant attention due to Mourinho’s verbal jabs and the high stakes of the encounter. Galatasaray’s victory extended their lead at the top of the table to four points and handed Mourinho his first defeat in six matches.
Lucas Torreira opened the scoring for Galatasaray with a fantastic volley, setting the tone for the match. After Mertens’ second goal, Osimhen continued to make his presence felt, proving why he was crowned African Player of the Year. His commanding performance in such a high-pressure match further cemented his place as one of Africa’s premier football talents.
Osimhen’s ability to influence the game with both his physical presence and technical skill endeared him to the Galatasaray faithful, while silencing critics. His integration into the team is progressing smoothly, with his performance sending a strong message to the club’s rivals as Galatasaray strengthens its title ambitions.
With this impressive victory, Galatasaray remains firmly at the summit of the Turkish Super Lig.