Soccer
Victor Osimhen: Copyright: Imago
Former Besiktas winger Nihat Kahveci has explained what makes Victor Osimhen stand out from others following the Super Eagles striker’s performance in Galatasaray’s win over Fenerbahçe, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen marked his return to league action in style with a superb display in the Istanbul derby on Sunday, as Cimbom cruised to a 3–0 victory in front of their home supporters.
The 27-year-old had missed several matches due to an arm injury and only returned last week in the shock Turkish Cup defeat to Genclerbirligi, where he wore an arm protector to protect himself.
However, he showed great determination and his presence clearly lifted his teammates, as they put in their best to secure the result, which has now moved them closer to another league triumph.
Osimhen was also on the scoresheet, opening the scoring in the first half with an improvised finish and it came as very little surprise that Fenerbahçe had earlier raised concerns about his arm protector, knowing the kind of threat he could pose.
That strike in the 40th minute took his tally to 20 for the season and marked his 10th goal in his last 10 league appearances for Galatasaray, who have now stretched their lead to seven points over Fenerbahçe with just three games remaining this season.
Baris Alper Yılmaz and Lucas Torreira added two more goals in the second half to seal the 3–0 win, while Fenerbahçe were reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Ederson was sent off following a second yellow card.
Soccer Nihat Kahveci reveals Victor Osimhen’s standout trait
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen was making his first start since March, but he played like someone who had never been away and was rewarded with his 13th league goal of the campaign.
Reflecting on his performance, Kahveci praised the Nigerian striker and identified his hunger as a major quality that separates him from other players on the pitch.
“Osimhen plays every match like it’s his last. This is a very important character trait. He doesn’t say, ‘I’ve scored 40 goals, man’; it’s as if he hasn’t scored any, striving like he’s about to score his first!”, Kahveci said in quotes revealed by Avrupa Fatihi on X.
Following that commanding win over one of their closest challengers, Galatasaray could seal a fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title if they secure maximum points when they face Samsunspor on Saturday.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.
Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin
Read MoreAyomide Oguntimehin