Osimhen brace fires Galatasaray past Fenerbahce in Istanbul derby
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored twice in the first half as Galatasaray beat fierce Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce 2-1 in the Intercontinental Derby, reclaiming top spot in the Turkish Super Lig. The 27-year-old opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a composed finish from Baris Alper Yilmaz's pass, then doubled the lead five minutes later by redirecting Davinson Sanchez's goal-bound effort past the keeper.
The victory extends Galatasaray's unbeaten run against Fenerbahce to five consecutive league meetings and marks their fourth win in five matches across all competitions. Osimhen was clinical—seven shots, three on target, two goals—while also contributing 25 touches and winning four duels. Fenerbahce's Irfan Can Kahveci pulled one back with a spectacular bicycle kick in the 62nd minute, but Galatasaray held firm.
For Nigerian football, Osimhen's continued excellence in high-pressure fixtures reinforces his status as Africa's premier striker. His form comes amid discussion of Nigeria's absence from this year's Ballon d'Or nominees despite Osimhen and Ademola Lookman's previous recognition. Galatasaray now lead the league table, while Fenerbahce sit fifth with just one win in four matches.
With Osimhen delivering in derby atmosphere, does his Turkish league dominance translate to Super Eagles leadership when World Cup qualifiers resume?