Osimhen set for Galatasaray debut
Victor Osimhen is set to make his debut for Galatasaray as they host Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig week 5 fixture at RAMS Park, İstanbul, on Saturday (today), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Super Eagles striker, who joined the Istanbul giants on loan from Napoli, is expected to lead the line.
The 25-year-old completed his surprise move to Galatasaray during the summer transfer window after potential big-money transfers to Chelsea and Al Ahli failed to materialise.
Osimhen arrived in Istanbul in a fanfare, with thousands of excited Galatasaray fans converging at 4am to welcome their new signing.
On Thursday, September 12, Osimhen trained with his new teammates for the first time since swapping Naples for Istanbul upon returning from his international duty with the Super Eagles.
He has reunited with former Napoli colleague Dries Mertens, who now also plies his trade in Turkey with Galatasaray.
Fresh from international duty with Nigeria, where he found the net in a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in an AFCON 2025 qualifier, Osimhen will be keen to hit the ground running at his new club.
With Galatasaray’s regular striker Mauro Icardi sidelined with injury, the Super Eagles goal-poacher is likely to spearhead the attack against Rizespor.
The match will feature a Nigerian connection as Osimhen’s Galatasaray takes on Rizespor, who have compatriots Ibrahim Olawoyin, Okechukwu Azubuike, and Babajide David in their ranks.
Galatasaray, which currently sit second in the Super Lig with nine points from three games, will be looking to maintain their winning streak. The hosts have won all three league matches this season, including an impressive 5-1 victory against Adana Demirspor in week 2.
In contrast, Rizespor, placed 12th with four points from four matches, will be hoping to bounce back from two consecutive defeats, having struggled in recent weeks, suffering a heavy 5-0 loss to Fenerbahce followed by a 1-0 defeat against Kasimpasa.
Head-to-head statistics favour Galatasaray, who have won 11 of their previous encounters with Rizespor with eight draws between both sides.
As Osimhen prepares to make his mark in Turkish football, all eyes will be on the RAMS Park to see if the African Player of the Year can inspire Galatasaray to another victory and continue their impressive start to the season.
