Victor Osimhen: Super Eagles Striker Closes In on Okocha’s Record After Scoring for Galatasaray
- Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored his second goal of the season in Galatasaray’s 3-1 win over Rizespor
- The Nigerian striker is now just two goals shy of equalling Austin Okocha’s Turkish Super Lig record
- Osimhen will now join Nigeria for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa
Victor Osimhen continued his brilliant start to life in the Turkish Super Lig with another crucial goal for Galatasaray as they secured a 3-1 victory over Rizespor.
The game began with Galatasaray taking the lead in the 20th minute when Gabriel Sara’s corner was met by Davinson Sánchez, who powered home a header.
Source: Getty Images
In the second half, Osimhen stole the spotlight with his goal when the Nigerian forward rose high in the 65th minute to head home Abdülkerim Bardakcı’s perfect cross, doubling Gala’s advantage and putting them firmly in control of the match.
The goal was Osimhen’s second of the season and his 28th overall in Turkey’s Super Lig, underlining his status as one of the league’s best strikers.
Osimhen closing in on Okocha’s record
The goal not only secured the win for Galatasaray but also brought Osimhen closer to a major personal milestone.
With 28 goals in the Turkish Super Lig, the Super Eagles star is now joint-sixth among Nigerian players in the league’s history, Soccernet reports.
Importantly, Osimhen is just two goals away from equalling the tally of Super Eagles legend Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha in the Turkish league.
Source: Getty Images
Okocha, one of Nigeria’s most legendary footballers, made his mark at Fenerbahce between 1996 and 1998 after joining from Eintracht Frankfurt.
During his time in Turkey, he became a fan favourite, scoring 30 league goals and 33 overall in 79 appearances before sealing a mega transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, per Transfermarkt.
For Osimhen, surpassing Okocha’s record would cement his name further in Nigerian football history, especially as he continues to excel for both club and country.
His rise has been remarkable since joining Galatasaray from Napoli, and many believe he is destined to break even more records in Europe.
Eyes on the World Cup qualifiers
With club duties handled for now, Osimhen’s attention turns to international football.
The 2023 CAF Player of the Year winner is set to link up with the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after being listed in Eric Chelle's final 23-man squad.
Nigeria faces Rwanda and South Africa in back-to-back fixtures that could define their qualification hopes.
The Super Eagles have struggled in recent matches, managing only one win in their last six qualifiers.
The three-time African champions currently have seven points in Group C, trailing leaders South Africa by six points.
To keep their World Cup dream alive, Nigeria are condemned to win both games in September to stand any chance of qualifying for the biggest international football competition.
Napoli president admits regret over Osimhen
In another development, Legit.ng reported that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has expressed regret over the departures of top stars Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from the club.
Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia were pivotal to Napoli's Italian Serie A title win in the 2022/23 season, the club's first league title since the 1989/90 season.
Source: Legit.ng
