Osimhen Breaks Goal Drought with Two Goals in Thrilling 3-3 Draw

Victor Osimhen finally found the back of the net for Galatasaray, scoring twice in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Kasımpaşa during a Turkish Super Lig match at RAMS Park on Saturday. The Nigerian striker, who joined the Turkish club on loan from Napoli, ended his three-game goal drought in style, helping his team maintain their unbeaten run this season.

Osimhen, who is the reigning African Footballer of the Year, opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a powerful header from Abdulkerim Bardakci’s precise cross. His relief was palpable as he celebrated by lifting his Galatasaray jersey to reveal the word “finally” written underneath, signifying the end of his wait to score for his new club.

Just eight minutes later, Osimhen doubled his tally with a stunning volley from Gabriel Sara’s pass, demonstrating the clinical finishing that has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers. His two goals made him the first player since Bafetimbi Gomis in 2017 to have four or more goal contributions in his first three Süper Lig games, according to OPTA statistics.

Mauro Icardi added a third goal for Galatasaray in the 34th minute, showcasing his strength and skill as he volleyed past the Kasımpaşa goalkeeper. Osimhen, showing solidarity, mimicked Icardi’s goal celebration, highlighting the growing partnership between the two forwards.

However, Galatasaray’s 3-0 lead began to unravel just before halftime. Mamadou Fall pulled one back for Kasımpaşa in the 44th minute, and Haris Hajradinovic further reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 83rd minute. The comeback was completed in stoppage time when Nuno Da Costa scored, stunning the home crowd and leaving the final score at 3-3.

Osimhen’s impressive night was cut short due to a suspected injury, forcing him to signal for a substitution just before halftime. He was replaced by his former Napoli teammate, Dries Mertens, at the start of the second half. This development has raised concerns about his availability for Galatasaray’s upcoming matches.

Despite the disappointing result, Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk praised Osimhen’s performance. “Victor showed exactly why we brought him here. His goals were a testament to his quality and determination,” Buruk said. The 25-year-old striker has now contributed two goals and three assists in his short stint with the club, living up to the high expectations surrounding his loan move.

Earlier in the week, Galatasaray’s vice president, İbrahim Hatipoğlu, dismissed rumors of Osimhen leaving in January. “There is no possibility of Osimhen leaving the team in January. We are planning for him to stay with us next season as well,” Hatipoğlu clarified, showing the club’s commitment to their star striker.

The draw kept Galatasaray at the top of the Süper Lig table with 19 points from seven matches. Although the team remains unbeaten, the manner in which they surrendered their lead has left fans and players alike frustrated.

Reflecting on his performance, Osimhen expressed his desire to continue contributing to the team’s success. “My goal will come. The important thing is for Galatasaray to win,” he had said after a recent Europa League victory, showing his focus on the team’s success over personal accolades.

Osimhen’s brace marks a significant milestone in his Galatasaray career, especially after assisting three goals in previous games. With his first goals for the club now in the bag, he will be looking to build on this performance and play a key role in both Galatasaray’s domestic and European campaigns.

In other news from the match, Nigerian international Kenneth Omeruo made his fifth appearance of the season for Kasımpaşa, coming on as a substitute in the 30th minute.