English Premier League
“Greater goal scorer than Haaland” — Ex-Turkish star rates Victor Osimhen better
By Monsurah Olatunji
Turkish football commentator Nihat Kahveci has made a bold statement in rating Victor Osimhen as a greater goal scorer than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Kahveci, a former Besiktas forward, recognized the incredible goal-scoring feats of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Haaland, but he believes Osimhen’s all-around contributions make him stand out even more.
While Haaland is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation and holds the Premier League record for most goals in a single season, Osimhen has been making waves in Turkey with Galatasaray, where he is currently the league’s top scorer with 20 goals — two more than his nearest rival, Kristof Piatek.
Kahveci lauded Osimhen’s ability not just to score, but also to contribute significantly to his teammates’ success, highlighting his leadership, team spirit, and passion.
“Names like Ronaldo, Mbappe, and Haaland can contribute to 26 goals in 30 matches. Osimhen’s contribution is incredible,” Nihat said. “When we look at his contributions on and off the field, his contribution to his teammates is very high.”
He continued: “We don’t just look at the issue from a scoreboard perspective. He says he represents Galatasaray very well; he helps his teammates when they are out of form.”
Nihat believes Osimhen’s unique qualities set him apart, noting the Nigerian forward’s sense of belonging, desire, and passion, which he feels goes beyond just his goal-scoring abilities.
“His sense of belonging, desire, and passion are very different. He made a generation a Galatasaray fan. Icardi did it, Osimhen continues. In my opinion, he is a greater goal scorer than Haaland.”