Victor Osimhen continued his fine start to life in Turkey with another decisive contribution as Galatasaray earned a 3-1 win over Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The reigning champions entered the contest brimming with confidence after three straight wins without conceding, while Rizespor were still searching for their first goal of the campaign.
Galatasaray struck first in the 20th minute when Gabriel Sara’s corner was met by Davinson Sánchez, who powered a header past the goalkeeper to give the hosts the advantage.
Despite controlling large spells of possession, Okan Buruk’s side were unable to add to their lead before the interval.
Osimhen, however, made his mark in the second half. In the 65th minute, Abdülkerim Bardakcı delivered a precise cross which the Nigerian striker converted with a firm header to double Galatasaray’s advantage.
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The goal was Osimhen’s second of the season and his 28th overall in the Turkish Super Lig.
That tally places him joint-sixth among Nigerian players in the league’s history and just two goals shy of the mark set by Super Eagles legend Austin Okocha, who scored 30 times during his Fenerbahce career.
Rizespor responded almost immediately, as Dal Varesanovic struck to narrow the deficit and briefly spark hopes of a comeback. The visitors pressed for an equaliser, but their resistance was broken late on when Mauro Icardi struck in added time to seal a fourth consecutive victory for Galatasaray.
The result leaves the Istanbul giants top of the table with 12 points from four matches, while Rizespor remain rooted in 15th place, with just one point and a single goal to their name this season.
Attention now turns to the international break, with Osimhen set to join Nigeria ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. For Galatasaray, the focus will quickly shift to maintaining their perfect start when they travel to Eyüpsor on September 14.
SOCCERNET
