Osimhen, Ndidi Set for Istanbul Derby Showdown
Nigeria’s two biggest stars in the Turkish Super Lig, Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi, will face each other on Saturday evening when Galatasaray take on Besiktas in the famous Istanbul derby.
The match will take place at Tupras Stadium and is one of the most intense fixtures in Turkish football. For Nigerian fans, the game is special as it will see two key Super Eagles players compete on opposite sides.
Both players were important for Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Ndidi captained the team while Osimhen scored four goals as the Super Eagles finished third in the tournament.
At national team level, the two players work closely together. Ndidi protects the defence from midfield while Osimhen leads the attack. But on Saturday, they will try to stop each other.
Osimhen goes into the match as one of the top players in the Turkish league. The Galatasaray striker has enjoyed a strong season, scoring 10 league goals and adding seven more in the UEFA Champions League.
The Nigerian forward recently returned from injury and made an immediate impact by scoring and providing an assist in Galatasaray’s 3-1 win over Alanyaspor.
Reports from the club say Osimhen has also been motivating his teammates during training.
“Osimhen is very motivated and continues to energise the team. He has also been encouraging his teammates strongly in training,” a club source said.
Galatasaray currently sit at the top of the Super Lig table with 58 points, four points ahead of rivals Fenerbahce. The team is also preparing for a Champions League round-of-16 match against Liverpool next week.
However, they must first overcome Besiktas in the derby.
Ndidi will play a key role for Besiktas. The Nigerian midfielder joined the club last summer and has quickly become one of their most important players.
His defensive work, leadership and ability to win the ball have helped the team enjoy an impressive run of form.
Besiktas are currently unbeaten in their last 18 matches in all competitions and have gone 13 league games without defeat. The run has lifted them to fourth place on the table with 46 points.
Ndidi also delivered an excellent performance last weekend, scoring a ninth-minute header in Besiktas’ 4-0 victory over Goztepe.
The midfielder has become the shield in front of the defence, stopping attacks and helping the team maintain balance.
Osimhen and Ndidi have faced each other before at club level. One of their most memorable meetings came when Napoli played Leicester City in European competition, with Osimhen scoring twice in a 2-2 draw.
Earlier this season, Galatasaray and Besiktas also played a 1-1 draw in the reverse league fixture.
With both players yet to record a win over the other, Saturday’s derby offers them another chance to settle the rivalry.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6pm Nigerian time.
