Soccer
Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit: Galatasaray/ X
Victor Osimhen’s return from injury showed exactly why many now see him as one of the best strikers in world football, Soccernet.ng reports.
This is after the Nigeria international led Galatasaray to a commanding 3-0 win over Fenerbahçe in a crucial Turkish Super Lig derby on Sunday night.
The Super Eagles forward had only just come back from a spell on the sidelines following surgery on a fractured forearm. During his absence, Galatasaray suffered setbacks, crashing out of both the Champions League and the Turkish Cup, while rivals Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor closed the Super Lig gap to just two points.
But with Osimhen back in the starting line-up, everything changed. He scored the opening goal in the derby and helped Galatasaray move seven points clear at the top of the table, with only three games left to play. The result puts them on the brink of a fourth straight league title.
Turkish commentator Veli Yiğit did not hide his admiration for the striker’s influence.
“We saw once again how big the difference is between Galatasaray with Osimhen and Galatasaray without him,” Veli Yiğit said as per Habersarikirmizi. “He has a great impact on the team. He’s the player who gets into the most duels, and he scored a goal too. I’ll say it again, he’s one of the top strikers in the world.”
Soccer A one-sided derby shows Osimhen’s true value
The derby itself revealed just how important Osimhen is to Galatasaray’s style and confidence. His movement, strength, and ability to lead the attack gave the team a clear edge from the start.
Galatasaray dominated the game in almost every area. They recorded 21 shots compared to Fenerbahçe’s five, and had 35 touches in the penalty area against just 10 from their rivals. It was a level of control rarely seen in such a big fixture.
Yiğit was left stunned by the scale of the dominance.
“I don’t remember a derby in the last 10-15 years where one side dominated the other to this extent. 35 to 10 touches in the penalty area, 21 to 5 shots. In total, Galatasaray played a clear game for 87 minutes out of 101 minutes played.”
Beyond the numbers, Osimhen’s presence gives Galatasaray a sharper attacking edge. He stretches defences, wins physical battles, and creates space for teammates like Barış Alper Yılmaz and Lucas Torreira, who both scored in the match.
Without him, the team has struggled to break down opponents and often looked less dangerous. With him, they play with confidence, speed, and purpose.
Now, Galatasaray are just one win away from sealing their 26th Super Lig title, with the Lions set to seal the seal when they make the trip to Samsunspor this weekend.
Imhonlamhen
Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.
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