Victor Osimhen finally opened his Galatasaray account, netting twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Kasımpaşa in a Turkish Super Lig matchday seven fixture at RAMS Park on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year had endured a three-game goal drought since joining the Turkish giants on loan from Napoli earlier this month but finally emphatically announced his arrival with a quick-fire double within the opening half-hour on Saturday.
The Nigeria striker broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, meeting a pinpoint cross from Abdulkerim Bardakci with a powerful header that beat Andreas Gianniotis flat. Osimhen’s relief was evident as he celebrated by donning a Galatasaray jersey inscribed with ‘finally’, signalling the end of his wait for a dock breaker.
Just eight minutes later, Osimhen completed his brace with a thunderous volley from Gabriel Sara’s brilliant pass, showcasing the clinical finishing that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.
The brace saw Osimhen etch his name in Galatasaray’s history books as the first player to register four or more goal contributions in the first three Süper Lig games since Bafetimbi Gomis in 2017, according to statistics from OPTA.
Mauro Icardi made it 3-0 for Galatasaray in the 34th minute, after outmuscling his marker to produce a brilliant volley that left the Kasımpaşa goalkeeper helpless.
In a show of camaraderie, Osimhen imitated Icardi’s goal celebration, highlighting the burgeoning partnership between the two strikers.
However, Galatasaray’s comfortable lead was eroded in a dramatic fashion. Mamadou Fall pulled one back for Kasımpaşa a minute before halftime, before Haris Hajradinovic reduced the deficit to one in the 83rd minute.
The comeback was completed in stoppage time when Nuno Da Costa found the net, leaving the home fans a dream land.
Osimhen’s memorable night was cut short just before halftime when he signalled for substitution due to a suspected injury. He was replaced by former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens at the start of the second half, raising concerns about his fitness for upcoming fixtures.
Despite the disappointment of relinquishing a three-goal lead, Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk will be encouraged by Osimhen’s explosive performance. The 25-year-old has now contributed two goals and three assists in his short spell with the club, justifying the excitement surrounding his loan move.
Galatasaray’s vice president, İbrahim Hatipoğlu, had earlier in the week moved to quash rumours of a potential January departure for Osimhen.
“There is no possibility of Osimhen leaving the team in January. We are thinking of having him play with us next season as well,” Hatipoğlu stated.
The draw leaves Galatasaray at the top of the Süper Lig table with 19 points from seven matches, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season. However, the manner of the result leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, given their dominant first-half display.
For Osimhen, the brace represents a significant milestone in his Galatasaray career.
After assisting three goals in his previous outings, the Nigerian had expressed frustration at not finding the net himself.
“Unfortunately, my goal was counted as an own goal again. My goal will come. The important thing is for Galatasaray to win,” he had said after their midweek Europa League victory.
With the goalscoring monkey now off his back, Osimhen will be eager to build on this performance and spearhead Galatasaray’s domestic and European campaigns. The club’s management will be hoping his suspected injury is not serious, as they look to maximise the impact of their high-profile loan signing.
In other Nigerian involvement, Super Eagles veteran centre-back Kenneth Omeruo entered the game as a 30th-minute substitute for Kasımpaşa, replacing Mortadha Ben Ouanes, his fifth appearance of the campaign.
As Galatasaray prepare for their upcoming fixtures, all eyes will be on Osimhen’s fitness and form. If Saturday’s performance is anything to go by, the Turkish giants may have found the prolific striker they need to challenge for honours on all fronts.