By Ellis Kweta
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has quickly established himself as a force at Galatasaray, breaking the “Galatasaray jinx” with an impressive record of goals and assists within his first few matches.
Osimhen’s impact has invigorated fans and marked a turning point for the Turkish champions, as he ended a seven-year gap in notable goal contributions by netting his fourth goal in five league games, a feat last achieved by former striker Bafetimbi Gomis in 2017/18.
Osimhen’s Unmatched Galatasaray Debut
Osimhen scored a pivotal header against Besiktas on Monday, a goal that made it 2-0 for Galatasaray and ultimately turned out to be the game-winner after Besiktas scored a late consolation.
This “bullet header” goal, which brought the stadium alive, showcased his capability as a match-decider. His four goals and two assists across five league matches and European games stand out in Turkish Super Lig statistics, with Transfermarkt noting his impressive early tally.
Joining Galatasaray on a season-long loan after an extended transfer window search, Osimhen faced hurdles in finding a new club before ultimately signing with the Turkish giants. Napoli had previously turned down bids from European teams, notably Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Ahli, leaving Osimhen to navigate a challenging road to Turkey. In a parallel twist, Osimhen almost joined Chelsea before the deal fell apart over unresolved personal terms on deadline day.
Breaking the Galatasaray Curse
In joining Galatasaray, Osimhen stepped into a club with high hopes and a history of high standards. His six-goal contribution in the early matches surpassed the club’s expectations, ending a “seven-year wait for a bright start to life in yellow and red,” according to Hurriyet.
His performance has positioned him alongside Galatasaray legends and, interestingly, countered a so-called jinx predicted by social media influencer UTD Trey, who often sees his football predictions go wrong.
After Trey’s controversial post suggested a disappointing game for Osimhen, the forward’s remarkable goal silenced the critic and boosted his reputation among supporters.
Victor Osimhen’s presence at Galatasaray has extended beyond just the statistics; his role has been transformative for the squad, bringing renewed optimism and skill to the Turkish champions. As Osimhen’s journey with Galatasaray unfolds, fans and analysts eagerly await further moments that may redefine his career and the trajectory of Turkish football.