Victor Osimhen has continued his sensational start to the new Turkish Super Lig season, scoring twice and providing an assist as Galatasaray cruised to a 4-0 victory over newly promoted Erzurumspor FK on Friday.
The Nigerian striker once again showed why he remains one of Europe’s most feared forwards, playing a central role in almost everything positive Galatasaray produced during the emphatic victory at the Kazım Karabekir Stadium.
Osimhen entered the match following his two goal performance in Galatasaray’s opening league fixture and left the pitch with another brace, extending his remarkable scoring run for the defending Turkish champions.
The victory also gave Galatasaray an important response after they were held to a 2-2 draw by fellow newly promoted side Çorum in their opening league match.
Galatasaray made a fast start against Erzurumspor, with Roland Sallai opening the scoring in the 12th minute.
Osimhen then turned provider eight minutes later, demonstrating that his influence goes beyond scoring goals. The Super Eagles forward created the opportunity for Yunus Akgün, who finished the move to put Galatasaray 2-0 ahead.
The Nigerian eventually got his reward just before half-time.
Osimhen found the net in stoppage time at the end of the first half to give Galatasaray a commanding 3-0 advantage going into the break.
Rather than taking his foot off the accelerator, the striker completed his brace in the 80th minute, sealing a convincing victory for the champions and adding another two goals to his rapidly growing tally.
The performance means Osimhen has now directly contributed to at least one goal in each of his last 14 league appearances for Galatasaray.
During that extraordinary run, the 27-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided six assists, meaning he has been directly involved in 22 goals across those matches.
His latest performance also means Osimhen has started the new league campaign exactly as he finished the previous one, consistently finding ways to influence matches even when opponents attempt to limit his opportunities.
The Nigerian had already scored twice in Galatasaray’s opening day draw with Çorum. His two goals helped rescue a point for the champions after they surrendered their advantage following a red card shown to Çorum’s Alexandros Kyziridis.
Two consecutive braces have now placed Osimhen firmly among the early talking points of the new Turkish Super Lig campaign.
His form has also attracted renewed attention from England, with Arsenal reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing the Nigerian striker to the Premier League.
According to reports cited by PUNCH, Arsenal have opened discussions with Galatasaray over a possible deal for Osimhen, as manager Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options.
The interest is understandable given the striker’s numbers in Turkey.
Osimhen contributed 30 goals and assists for Galatasaray last season and played an important role in the club’s success. His ability to combine physical strength, pace, intelligent movement and clinical finishing has made him one of the most sought after Nigerian players in European football.
However, a potential move to England would not be straightforward.
Osimhen reportedly earns a net annual salary of around €20 million at Galatasaray and remains under contract with the Turkish champions until 2029. His current wages could therefore become a significant obstacle for Arsenal if negotiations progress.
The Nigerian would potentially have to accept a reduction in salary to make a move to the Premier League possible.
For now, though, Osimhen appears completely focused on matters on the pitch.
His immediate objective will be to continue scoring goals and help Galatasaray defend their Turkish league title while also competing strongly on the European stage.
The striker’s current form will also be encouraging for the Nigerian national team, with Osimhen remaining one of the country’s most important attacking players.
For Galatasaray supporters, there is every reason to be excited. Their star forward has already produced four goals in his first two league appearances, while his ability to create chances for teammates adds another dimension to his game.
Against Erzurumspor, Osimhen was not simply a striker waiting inside the penalty area. He combined his goalscoring instinct with intelligent movement and creativity, helping Galatasaray establish control before eventually putting the game beyond doubt himself.
At 27, the Nigerian is entering an important period of his career, and his current numbers suggest he remains at the peak of his powers.
Whether he stays in Istanbul or eventually makes the long anticipated move to the Premier League, one thing is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Victor Osimhen is in devastating form, and defenders across Turkey will have plenty to worry about if his remarkable scoring streak continues.
