Osimhen strikes again in Galatasaray’s dominant win over Rizespor

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Nigerian international Victor Osimhen continued his scintillating form in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring his ninth goal of the season as Galatasaray cruised to a dominant 3-0 win over Caykur Rizespor at the Caykur Didi Stadium.

The result solidified the Lions’ position at the top of the league table, extending their unbeaten run and showcasing their attacking prowess against a struggling home side.

The match kicked off with Galatasaray asserting early control, their fluid passing and high press overwhelming Rizespor from the outset.

The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Baris Alper Yilmaz headed home a pinpoint cross from Noa Lang, giving the visitors a deserved lead.

Yilmaz’s close-range nod into the bottom right corner beat goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, setting the tone for a one-sided affair.

Galatasaray doubled their advantage just after the hour mark in the 62nd minute. Yunus Akgun met another superb delivery from Yilmaz with a bullet header that crashed in off the crossbar, leaving Fofana with no chance.

Osimhen, the 27-year-old forward on a high-profile move to Galatasaray, sealed the victory in the 73rd minute. Pouncing on a loose ball inside the box, he fired a clinical shot into the bottom left corner, making it 3-0.

This strike marked his fifth consecutive league goal, underscoring his red-hot streak that has seen him contribute seven goal involvements in his last five Super Lig outings.

Despite Rizespor’s efforts to mount a comeback, including a disallowed goal for offside by Ali Sowe in the 60th minute and several blocked shots, they were unable to breach Galatasaray’s solid defense anchored by Davinson Sanchez and Abdulkerim Bardakci.

Osimhen’s goal tally now stands at nine in 15 Super Lig appearances this season, complemented by one assist, according to ESPN stats.

Transfermarkt data confirms his efficiency, with a goal every 122 minutes in the league. His form has been instrumental in Galatasaray’s campaign, as they chase back-to-back titles after last season’s domestic double.