Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has praised his Galatasaray teammate Baris Alper Yilmaz for his impressive performance in their 4-0 bashing of Antalyaspor at Rams Park on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen was outstanding for Galatasaray against Antalyaspor as he grabbed a hat-trick to help his side through. The 25-year-old Super Eagles striker struck twice in the first half before adding another in the second half.
Osimhen’s three goals were assisted by Alvaro Morata, Yunus Akgun, and Baris, who had a superb game. The Turkey international has been in great form this season, and his assist was his 13th goal involvement in the Super Lig thus season.
Following the win over Antalyaspor, Osimhen spoke quite highly of Akgun, tipping him to become one of the greatest players in Turkey soon.
“Today I have to give it to him (Baris), he’s really really our best player regardless of my hat-trick,” Osimhen said, per Ridvan Aksu.
“Baris is an animal just like the way we used to say it in Africa. He’s really an animal, he’s a box-to-box player and this is what every coach really likes. I think Baris has this quality to be one of the greatest players in Turkish history.”
Who can be Victor Osimhen’s Baris in the Super Eagles?
Currently, the Super Eagles have some decent forwards who are operating on Baris’ level. The Turkish star has an incredible work rate, and his pass to Osimhen for his second goal against Antalyaspor just shows his quality.
Nigeria boasts of quality forwards like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. They could deliver the goods on a good day.
Entering the game against Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers next week, coach Eric Chelle will hope to push his attackers to reach their full potential and seal the win for Nigeria.