Victor Osimhen has heaped praise on Galatasaray fans, his teammates, and strike partner Alvaro Morata after playing a decisive role in their dramatic 2-1 victory over Alanyaspor on Sunday, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian forward continued his rich vein of form, scoring the winning goal in the second half as Galatasaray battled back from a goal down to claim all three points.
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) March 9, 2025
The victory was even more impressive given that they played most of the match with ten men following goalkeeper Günay Güvenç’s red card just before halftime.
Osimhen’s goal took his tally to 17 in the Turkish Super Lig this season, with 10 of those coming away from home—more than any other player in the league.
Osimhen always comes true for Galatasaray pic.twitter.com/9eFByNQivJ
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 9, 2025
It is also the first time he has hit double figures in away goals since his stellar 2022-23 campaign with Napoli, when he netted 14.
Speaking to the media after the game, Osimhen credited Galatasaray fans and his teammates for their role in securing the win.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate the team and thank our fans. I think we would not have had the energy to get these three points without them. We were not very good in the first half, but we were able to improve ourselves in the second half. We knew that every match until the end of the season would be very difficult and that it would be the final. We will try to maintain our momentum,” he said.
I like it Everytime Victor Osimhen and his teammates do this with the Galatasaray fans after every Victory!!
— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) March 9, 2025
The 25-year-old also highlighted the motivation within the Galatasaray dressing room, explaining how the squad rallied at halftime.
“Everyone talked in the dressing room. I think we are very good at this. Our captain, Sanchez, Günay, and all of us talk. We motivate each other. I think this is one of the things that gave us the energy we needed in the second half. We knew we would get the three points. We focused on that. We show all our respect to our opponent, but we believe we got a well-deserved victory.”
Alvaro Morata, Victor Osimhen. pic.twitter.com/s2cdILlOqT
— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) March 9, 2025
Osimhen also took a moment to praise Alvaro Morata, describing the former Real Madrid striker as an invaluable partner in Galatasaray’s attack.
“It was incredible to play with him. He is a very experienced player. We all know him. He is a team player who comes close to receiving the ball in the attack, helps the team—he is an advanced player. I am very happy to play with him. We hope for a season where both of us score more goals and our momentum increases.”
Morata’s ability to link up play has allowed Osimhen to thrive in front of goal, and the pair’s growing partnership could prove crucial as Galatasaray push for the league title.
Osimhen’s form boosts Nigeria’s World Cup hopes
Osimhen’s blistering form—five goals in his last four league games—will also be a major boost for Nigeria ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Malian coach Eric Chelle has named Osimhen in Nigeria’s 39-man provisional squad for the crucial fixtures, and the Super Eagles will be counting on his goal-scoring ability to bolster their qualification hopes.
Back-to-back victories would go a long way in securing Nigeria’s place at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. If Osimhen continues in this vein, he could be the key figure in leading his nation to another global tournament.