Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen, has declared his ambition to lead Galatasaray to Turkish Super Lig triumph today, aiming to complete what would be a historic domestic double for the Istanbul giants following their recent Turkish Cup success.
The Super Eagles striker was instrumental in Galatasaray’s emphatic 3-0 demolition of Trabzonspor on Wednesday night in the Turkish Cup final, netting a brace at the Gaziantep Stadium to hand the club its first cup title in six years. The victory puts the team on the brink of replicating their 2018/19 feat, the last time they won both the league and the cup in the same season.
Speaking after the final whistle, Osimhen expressed his determination to seal the league crown, saying, “We won one trophy. On Sunday, we will fight for the fifth star,” referencing the symbolic fifth star that would mark Galatasaray’s 25th league title.
Currently on loan from Italian side Napoli, Osimhen has enjoyed a blistering season in Turkey. His brace in the cup final took his goal tally to 35 across all competitions in just 38 appearances, breaking a long-standing record previously held by Brazilian striker Mario Jardel, who scored 34 goals during the 2000/01 campaign. With this, Osimhen now holds the record as the most prolific foreign player in a single Turkish season.
Galatasaray head into today’s clash at Rams Park against Kayserispor knowing that a single point will be enough to officially secure the 2024/25 Super Lig title. The defending champions currently boast an eight-point cushion over fierce rivals Fenerbahçe, with just three games left to play.
However, their visitors will not be easy prey. Kayserispor, revitalised under new head coach Sergej Jakirovic, arrive in formidable form. The Anatolian club is unbeaten in their last six outings, collecting four wins and two draws, including a 3-1 win over Antalyaspor last weekend. Still, Galatasaray will take confidence from their dominant record in this fixture, having gone unbeaten in their last four meetings with Kayserispor. The most recent clash between the sides ended in a convincing 5-1 win for the Cimbom.
Beyond the team’s collective ambitions, Osimhen also has personal targets in sight. He currently leads the Super Lig’s golden boot race with 24 league goals, just three ahead of Polish forward Krzysztof Piatek of Istanbul Basaksehir. A strong finish to the season could see the Nigerian add another individual accolade to his sensational campaign.
Osimhen’s consistent scoring run has also seen him climb rapidly up Galatasaray’s list of all-time foreign scorers. While he is still some way off Romanian icon Gheorghe Hagi’s record of 72 goals for the club, the Nigerian’s performances have already etched his name into Galatasaray folklore.
As speculation continues to swirl around his future, with his loan deal nearing its end, Osimhen has remained tight-lipped. “I will wait until the end of the season before I announce what is next for me,” he told reporters when pressed about his next move.
Meanwhile, reports from Italy suggest that Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has agreed to an €85 million bid from Juventus, despite earlier reservations about strengthening a domestic rival. At the same time, Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal are said to be readying a big-money offer in an attempt to lure the Nigerian to the Middle East with staggering personal terms.
For now, all eyes remain on today’s potential title decider, where Osimhen stands ready to deliver once more for Galatasaray as they chase silverware and glory.
