No Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray prepare for Jose Mourinho showdown without Super Eagles striker

Victor Osimhen || Imago

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Beşiktaş legend hails Victor Osimhen || Imago

No Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray prepare for Jose Mourinho showdown without Super Eagles striker

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 11:10 - 18.09.2024

Super Lig giants Galatasaray made it five wins in five matches ahead of the big game against Jose Mourinho but were without Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen was missing as Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray maintained their flawless start to the season with a convincing 3-1 victory over Gaziantep FK at Rams Park, extending their winning streak to five matches. 

The Lions achieved this feat without their new star signing, the Super Eagles striker who was unavailable for this rescheduled fixture.

In Osimhen's absence, Michy Batshuayi stepped up to lead the attack, delivering a stellar performance with a goal and an assist. 

Baris Alper Yilmaz opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by Yunus Akgun doubling the lead in the 26th minute with an assist from Batshuayi. 

Victor Osimhen in action for Galatasaray against Rizespor || Imago
Victor Osimhen in action for Galatasaray against Rizespor || Imago

The Belgian striker then sealed the win with a goal of his own 14 minutes from time, before Furkan Soyalp netted a late consolation for the visitors.

This victory comes on the heels of Galatasaray's 5-0 thrashing of Rizespor last weekend, a match that saw Osimhen make his debut and contribute an assist. 

Galatasaray registered another big win but without Osimhen.
Galatasaray registered another big win but without Osimhen.

On a related development, the Nigerian international, who joined the Turkish champions on a season-long loan from Napoli after potential moves to Chelsea and other clubs fell through, has expressed his enthusiasm about joining Galatasaray's formidable attacking lineup.

Osimhen acknowledged the potent combination he could form with established stars like Mauro Icardi and Batshuayi, adding that he has a lot to learn from his new teammates.

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All eyes are now on the upcoming weekend as Galatasaray prepares for a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Fenerbahçe, managed by the renowned Jose Mourinho. 

This fixture, widely regarded as the biggest in the Süper Lig, will be a true test of Galatasaray's early-season form and could see Osimhen make his mark in one of Turkish football's most prestigious matches.

Victor Osimhen and a teammate hug each other.

The addition of Osimhen to their ranks signals their intent to not only retain their Süper Lig title but also make a significant impact in European competitions. 

The upcoming derby against Fenerbahçe will undoubtedly be a crucial indicator of their potential to achieve these lofty ambitions.