Former Lazio star ‘lucky to play alongside’ Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray after Rizespor brace

Galatasaray captain and goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has heaped praise on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen after his match-winning brace sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig, Footynaija.com reports.

Still reeling from their 4-1 defeat to Feyenoord in the UEFA Europa League, the Turkish champions were determined to bounce back and extend their lead at the top of the table to six points over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe.

A tense first half saw both sides battle for control, but the game exploded into life just two minutes after the restart. Osimhen broke the deadlock with a clinical header, giving Galatasaray the lead.

Rizespor, however, responded quickly, as Nigerian forward David Akintola set up Ali Sowe for an equalizer in the 54th minute.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Osimhen once again proved decisive, rising highest in the 86th minute to nod home a dramatic winner and secure all three points for Galatasaray.

Galatasaray goalkeeper Fernando Muslera wearing Victor Osimhen’s mask! pic.twitter.com/E1P9TPujoO

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) February 17, 2025

Amid the celebrations, Muslera was spotted wearing Osimhen’s signature mask. When asked about the gesture, the Uruguayan shot-stopper explained his admiration for the Nigerian striker’s relentless work ethic.

“After our fans called me over, I wanted to wear Osimhen’s mask too. He puts in so much effort and fights for every ball. He never gives up. We’re all lucky to play alongside a player with such incredible work ethic and dedication,” Muslera said after the game.

“We knew that by supporting him, something special would happen. Today, he delivered the goals that gave us victory. The second half allowed us to find our rhythm and capitalize on set pieces.”

Osimhen, who has now scored 19 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray, was touched by the former Lazio goalie’s gesture.

“I had given my mask to celebrate with the fans at that time,” Osimhen explained. “I came back and saw that he had already put it on. He is a great person beyond being a captain. He is a very important person for us. He had a very important role in this victory.”

With this win, Galatasaray pulled six points clear of Fenerbahçe ahead of their crucial top-of-the-table clash next Monday. The club will also be hoping Osimhen maintains his red-hot form as they prepare for the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 playoffs.