National Teams
Victor Osimhen’s brace fires Galatasaray into Turkish Cup semifinals
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Victor Osimhen was the hero for Galatasaray, scoring a brace to secure a 3-1 victory over Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Cup quarterfinals, sending the Lions into the semifinals.
In a tense Istanbul derby, Osimhen, 26, delivered a clinical performance, putting his team in control with a first-half double that ultimately proved too much for their bitter rivals.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring in the 10th minute, converting a precise layoff from Barış Alper Yılmaz with a cool finish.
Seventeen minutes later, Osimhen doubled his tally, confidently slotting home a penalty to give Galatasaray a 2-0 lead and put his team in a commanding position heading into the break.
However, Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho, reduced the deficit just before halftime, injecting a sense of urgency into the second half.
Despite their efforts, the visitors were unable to find an equalizer, and Galatasaray held firm to secure the win.
With just three minutes remaining, Osimhen was substituted for Alvaro Morata, the former Real Madrid forward, as the game wound down.
Osimhen’s brace pushed his season tally to 28 goals and five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions, bringing his total contributions to 33.
The victory not only cements Osimhen’s status as one of the most in-form strikers in Europe but also ensures Galatasaray remains on course for Turkish Cup glory as they aim for their first title since 2019.
With the semifinals now in sight, the team will look to build on this momentum in their quest for silverware.
