Nigeria Players Abroad
Napoli reject Victor Osimhen marks Galatasaray debut with assist
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Victor Osimhen made a strong impression on his Galatasaray debut as they cruised to a 5-0 win against Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday.
The 25-year-old, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, played the full 90 minutes and was involved in several key moments at the Türk Telekom Stadium. Although he didn’t score, his presence was pivotal in the dominant performance.
Osimhen had an early opportunity in the 15th minute with a header from a Dries Mertens cross, but it narrowly missed the target. Later, in the 42nd minute, he failed to connect properly with a ball inside the box, and his attempt in the 77th minute was thwarted by Rizespor’s goalkeeper.
Initially credited with Galatasaray’s second goal, Osimhen’s role was later revised to an assist for Abdulkerim Bardakci’s goal. Despite not finding the net, his contribution was instrumental in securing the victory.
The goals for Galatasaray came from D. Sánchez, A. Bardakçı, G. Sara, D. Mertens, and B. A. Yılmaz, completing a convincing win for the hosts.
On the opposing side, Nigerian players Ibrahim Olawoyin and David Akintola featured for Rizespor but could not change the outcome as Galatasaray achieved their third win of the season.
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