Victor Osimhen delivered another night to remember in Istanbul as he powered Galatasaray to a 3-1 win over Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Champions League league phase on Wednesday evening, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles striker scored twice and was named Man of the Match, guiding the Turkish giants to a crucial Group Stage victory at Rams Park.
Osimhen’s opener was both brilliant and historic.
Just two minutes and 53 seconds into the match, he latched onto a pass from Gabon international Mario Lemina, took a deft first touch, and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner.
The goal was not only his first of the night but also the earliest ever scored by a Galatasaray player in Champions League history.
“I’m very happy with my teammates’ performance, and I want to congratulate them first and foremost,” Osimhen said after the match, according to Galatasaray.org.
“The opponent was really good in the second half and pushed us hard. Ultimately, we got a very important win. I’d like to thank the staff, my coach, and my teammates.”
The Nigerian’s double made it seven consecutive European matches in which he has scored for Galatasaray, a club record that shows his consistency since arriving in Turkey.
The streak began last season in the UEFA Europa League against Tottenham, AZ Alkmaar, Dynamo Kyiv, and Ajax, and has continued seamlessly into the Champions League this term, with goals now against Liverpool and Bodø/Glimt.
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Victor Osimhen: Team spirit and humility over individual brilliance
Despite setting two new milestones, Osimhen refused to bask in personal glory, instead crediting the collective effort of his teammates and the support of the fans.
“I don’t score these goals alone, I don’t break these records alone,” he said. “A huge thank you to the team and our fans. We’ll continue to build on this momentum.”
The Super Eagles striker also dedicated his Man of the Match award to the squad.
“I won the Man of the Match award thanks to my teammates; I didn’t win it alone. We’ve been winning together for two matches now. I’d like my other teammates to win this award too.
“The important thing for me is to contribute with my goals and assists. Even if I can’t be that kind of player, I want to contribute to the fight. I’ll be very happy if one of my teammates wins the Man of the Match award.”
Osimhen’s second goal of the night came in the 33rd minute when he capitalised on a poor back pass from the Norwegian defence, slotting calmly past goalkeeper Nikita Haikin to double Galatasaray’s lead.
In the second half, Turkish winger Yunus Akgün completed the scoring for the hosts after Osimhen did well to win the ball back for Galatasaray in the final third. All of Galatasaray’s goals came before Bodø/Glimt’s Andreas Helmersen grabbed a consolation in the 76th minute.