Gift Orban overtakes Victor Osimhen in Turkish Super Lig scoring race after goal against Galatasaray

Gift Orban has moved ahead of fellow Nigerian international Victor Osimhen in the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot race after scoring in Amedspor’s thrilling 4-3 defeat to Galatasaray.

The striker continued his impressive start to the campaign by finding the net in the second half, taking his league tally to 10 goals and five assists in 11 appearances.

Orban, who joined Amedspor on loan during the summer transfer window, had endured a relatively quiet first half but made his presence felt after the break with a well-taken header.

The former Lyon forward reacted sharply inside the penalty area to connect with a superb delivery from substitute Furkan Soyalp, whose cross evaded Galatasaray goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir before reaching the Nigerian striker for a close-range finish.

The goal proved significant beyond its contribution to the contest, as it lifted Orban above Osimhen in the league’s scoring standings.

Orban takes Nigerian bragging rights from Osimhen

Orban’s latest strike takes his tally to 10 goals in 11 Turkish Super Lig appearances, putting him one ahead of Osimhen, who has scored nine times in eight league outings.

The Galatasaray forward has also contributed three assists, underlining his influence during the opening months of the campaign.

However, Osimhen was unavailable for Saturday’s encounter after undergoing knee surgery following an injury sustained during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League victory over Bundesliga side Stuttgart.

His absence provided Orban with an opportunity to move to the top of the scoring chart, and the Amedspor forward took full advantage with another important contribution.

Despite playing for a side that suffered defeat against the reigning Turkish champions, Orban’s individual numbers continue to strengthen his position among the division’s most productive attackers.

His return of 15 goal contributions in 11 appearances also highlights the impact he has made since arriving at Amedspor.

Yira Sor adds to Nigerian impact despite Amedspor defeat

Orban was not the only Nigerian forward to make an impression for Amedspor, as compatriot Yira Sor also found the net in the seven-goal encounter.

Sor, who entered the game in the second half in place of Senegalese striker Mbaye Diagne, scored Amedspor’s third goal during the closing stages.

The forward showed composure inside the penalty area, reacting quickly after the ball rebounded into his path before calmly slotting it into the bottom corner.

His contribution offered Amedspor another lifeline in an entertaining contest, although it was not enough to prevent them from leaving without a point.

The defeat ended a productive afternoon for the Nigerian contingent, with both Orban and Sor getting on the scoresheet against one of Turkey’s leading clubs.

While Amedspor will be disappointed with the result, Orban’s continued scoring form has added another dimension to the Super Lig Golden Boot race.