Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian striker and one of Europe’s most prolific players, has promised to help Turkish football achieve European success.
Osimhen made the declaration on Thursday night following Galatasaray’s hard-fought 1-1 draw away at AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League.
PUCNH Online reports that the Nigerian forward was instrumental in securing the result, netting a crucial equaliser in the 43rd minute after the Dutch side had taken an early lead.
Despite the draw, Osimhen’s confidence in the team’s European ambitions remains unwavering, as he assured fans of his commitment to bringing the coveted UEFA Cup to Turkey.
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Speaking to Parçalı Sportz, a prominent Turkish sports media outlet on X, Osimhen said, “I said I would score a goal, and I did. I promise you one more thing: I will bring the UEFA Cup to Turkey.”
Osimhen, who has quickly become a fan favourite at Galatasaray, backed up his words with a stunning performance in their recent European fixture.
His declaration has ignited excitement and renewed hope among Galatasaray supporters dreaming of continental success, according to the agency on its late Thursday night X post.
Istanbul derby debate
Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar head coach, Maarten Martens, added fuel to Turkey’s intense football rivalry.
When asked why his team managed to defeat Fenerbahçe but struggled against Galatasaray, Martens bluntly responded, “Galatasaray is much bigger than Fenerbahçe.”
The comment has already triggered heated discussions among fans and pundits alike, reigniting the fierce debate over the dominance of Istanbul’s football giants.
PUNCH Online reports on Friday that Galatasaray sit 4th on the Europa 36 league phase table with 11 points—two points behind the first three leaders with 13 points.
The Okan Buruk’s unbeaten side travels to Swedish side Malmö FF on Thursday, December 12, 2024, for Matchday 6.
The 1999-2000 UEFA Cup competition won by Galatasaray after they defeated Arsenal in the final marked the first time a Turkish side had won a European club football trophy.
Galatasaray also won the UEFA Super Cup in 2000.
