Osimhen scores twice to lead Galatasaray to a 2-1 win over Rizespor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered a match-winning performance for Galatasaray, scoring a crucial brace in their 2-1 victory over Rizespor on Monday in the Turkish Super League.

The Nigerian forward’s standout display solidified Galatasaray’s title hopes, showcasing his vital role in the team. Having missed the 4-1 loss to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League playoffs last week, Osimhen returned with a vengeance, proving his worth in the league.

After a goalless first half, Osimhen wasted no time in making an impact early in the second. Just two minutes after the restart, he rose above the defenders to head in a cross from Przemyslaw Frankowski, giving Galatasaray a 47th-minute lead.

Rizespor quickly responded in the 54th minute with a goal from Abdullahi Sowe, levelling the match. But Osimhen had the final say, striking again in the 86th minute to deliver a late winner and secure all three points for his team.

With the victory, Galatasaray extended their lead at the top of the table, moving six points clear of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, whom they will face in a highly anticipated clash next Monday.

Since his loan move from Napoli last summer, Osimhen has been in sensational form, with 14 goals and four assists in 18 Turkish League appearances, and five goals and one assist in the Europa League, giving him an impressive 24 goal contributions in 24 matches across all competitions.

Galatasaray fans will now look to Osimhen for inspiration as they aim to overturn a 4-1 deficit against AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of the Europa League playoffs on Thursday, before the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce on February 24, which could be a potential title decider.