Osimhen scores twice as Galatasaray beat Fenerbahce 2-1 in Istanbul derby
- Victor Osimhen scored in the 29th and 44th minutes at RAMS Park on Monday night.
- Irfan Can Kahveci pulled one back for Fenerbahce in the 62nd minute.
- The win lifted Galatasaray back to the top of the Turkish Super Lig table.
Victor Osimhen scored both goals as Galatasaray beat city rivals Fenerbahce 2-1 in the Istanbul derby at RAMS Park on Monday night.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing from inside the box after a pass from Baris Alper Yilmaz. He doubled the lead a minute before half-time, heading in from Davinson Sanchez's effort, according to match reports.
Fenerbahce barely threatened before the break. The visitors improved after the restart and pulled one back in the 62nd minute through Irfan Can Kahveci, whose overhead kick came off a pass from Oguz Aydin.
Osimhen thought he had a hat-trick early in the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside. He was replaced by Wilfried Singo in the 88th minute as Galatasaray saw out the win.
Why it matters for Nigerian fans
The 27-year-old now has six goals and three assists in six league appearances this season, one of the best starts of his career. For Nigerians who follow the Super Eagles, that form is the big takeaway: the country's main striker is scoring regularly ahead of the national team's next assignments.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli in 2025 after a successful loan spell. He scored 37 goals in all competitions in the 2024/25 season.
The result lifted Galatasaray back to the top of the Turkish Super Lig table. The outlets differ on the details: The Sun put Galatasaray on 22 points from nine matches and Fenerbahce fifth on 16, while Complete Sports also placed Fenerbahce fifth. Legit.ng, writing before kick-off, had Galatasaray second on 19 points behind Amedspor and Fenerbahce third on 16.
Legit.ng also noted that Osimhen had never lost to Fenerbahce in five previous meetings, with three wins and two draws, scoring three goals and adding an assist in those games.
What happens next
Galatasaray will look to protect their place at the top of the table in their next league fixture, while Fenerbahce need points to climb back into the title race. Osimhen's fitness and scoring run will be watched closely by Nigerian fans.
