“He celebrates like a child” – Nigeria’s Osimhen praised for bringing more than goals to Galatasaray

Obi Donald

13 hours ago

Former Fenerbahce midfielder İlker Yağcıoğlu has lauded Victor Osimhen for his overall contribution to Galatasaray since joining the club in the summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

After a difficult summer in which he failed to secure his dream move to the English Premier League, Osimhen has been a striker reborn in Turkey.

The Nigerian forward, on loan from Napoli, has been a nightmare to defenders in the Turkish Super Lig and a darling to fans of Galatasaray.

Galatasaray player Victor Osimhen showed a shirt with the words Happy Birthday Tony and Toby after scoring his goal during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Goztepe at Rams Park Stadium on January 4, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by IMAGO

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The 25-year-old attacker, who is in love with Istanbul, has smashed ten goals and registered four assists in only 13 league games for Galatasaray. He has been the club’s talisman in the Europa League as well, where he has notched three goals and one assist in four appearances.

What has, however, caught the attention of İlker Yağcıoğlu, beyond Osimhen’s goal contributions, is the camaraderie the Nigerian forward brings to the Galatasaray dressing room.

Roland Sallai of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team with Victor Osimhen during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Eyuspor at Rams Park Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by IMAGO

Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen — Roland Sallai of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring the second goal of his team with Victor Osimhen during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Eyuspor at Rams Park Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by IMAGO

The former Çaykur Rizespor assistant manager points is impressed with how Osimhen celebrates his teammates goals and connects with Galatasaray supporters.

“Osimhen’s contribution to Galatasaray is very high, don’t evaluate it only based on goals,” Yağcıoğlu said, as per GsGazete.

“Look at Osimhen doing somersaults on the ground after Yunus’ goal. He celebrates like a child. I am really surprised how he felt such a sense of belonging in such a short time. It is really strange but it is a good thing for Galatasaray.

“He has also established a bond with his fans. This guy may go on loan or go to another team next year, but he likes this place.”

Baris Alper Yilmaz of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team with Victor Osimhen 45 during the Turkish Super League match between Galatasaray and Eyuspor at Rams Park Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo by IMAGO

Despite his longstanding desire to play in the English Premier League, Osimhen demonstrated his commitment to Galatasaray by rejecting offers to leave Turkey this winter.

Manchester United reportedly were keen to add the Super Eagles forward to their attack as the Old Trafford landlords look to reinforce Ruben Amorim’s squad.

Osimhen, also a target of Liverpool, is expected to return to Napoli at the end of the 2024/25 season before deciding where his next destination will be.