Victor Osimhen marked his Galatasaray debut with an assist as the Turkish Super Lig giants cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Rizespor on Saturday. The Nigerian forward, who recently joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, was named in the starting lineup for his first appearance in Turkish football.
The 25-year-old quickly made an impact, playing a key role in the team’s attacking efforts.
In the 25th minute, Osimhen appeared poised to score his debut goal when he connected with a cross, heading the ball towards the net.
However, just before it crossed the line, teammate Abdulkerim Bardakci intervened, nudging it in to ensure the goal.
While Osimhen did not get on the scoresheet, he was credited with the assist for setting up the goal.
Galatasaray’s dominance was evident from the outset.
They opened the scoring in the third minute through former Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez, who gave the home side an early lead.
The pressure on Rizespor continued throughout the match, with Galatasaray displaying their attacking prowess.
Shortly after the interval, Galatasaray doubled their advantage.
In the 49th minute, Gabriel Sara found the back of the net, making it 3-0 and putting the game further out of Rizespor’s reach.
The goals kept coming for the home side, as former Napoli star Dries Mertens added a fourth in the 61st minute, showcasing his quality and reminding fans of his time in Serie A.
With ten minutes left in the game, Baris Yilmaz capped off Galatasaray’s emphatic performance, scoring the fifth and final goal of the match.
The comprehensive victory propelled Galatasaray to the top of the league standings with 12 points, putting them two points clear of their rivals, Fenerbahce.
Osimhen’s debut was closely watched by fans and analysts, eager to see how the Nigerian international would adapt to his new surroundings.
Although he did not score, his assist and overall contribution demonstrated his potential value to the team in the coming weeks.
Galatasaray supporters will be hopeful that Osimhen’s performance is a sign of things to come as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the table.
The win not only solidified Galatasaray’s status as early league leaders but also showcased the depth of their squad, with contributions from new signings and established stars alike.
As the Turkish Super Lig season progresses, Osimhen will be looking to build on this performance and establish himself as a key figure in Galatasaray’s attacking lineup.
