‘Part-man, part-machine’ – Ex-Besiktas chief reveals what Victor Osimhen adds to Galatasaray

Former Besiktas football director Önder Özen has described Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as a ‘part-man, part-machine’ figure driving Galatasaray towards another Süper Lig title, Afrik-Foot reports.

Speaking after Galatasaray’s commanding derby win over Fenerbahçe at the weekend, Özen pointed to Osimhen’s mentality, physical strength, and sheer determination as key factors behind the club’s dominance this season.

Osimhen’s latest heroic display came on Sunday when he returned from a five-week injury layoff to inspire Galatasaray to a 3-0 Intercontinental Derby victory over fierce rivals Fenerbahçe at RAMS Park. The striker had been sidelined for around 35 days after fracturing his forearm in a UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool, an injury that required surgery.

Despite concerns before kick-off, including a failed petition by Fenerbahçe to have him banned over his protective arm cast, Osimhen was cleared to play and delivered a performance full of power and intent.

The match itself had early tension, with Fenerbahçe missing a penalty in the 13th minute through Anderson Talisca. But it was Osimhen who broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, meeting a precise pass from Mario Lemina. He muscled past two defenders, controlled the ball with his chest, and finished instinctively with his knee.

His celebration, pointing to the bandage on his arm and gesturing towards the opposition bench, quickly went viral.

Victor Osimhen’s top mentality hailed

Despite his match rustiness, Victor Osimhen was simply too hot for Fenerbahçe to handle.

The former Napoli ace registered seven shots, recorded 13 touches inside the penalty area, and won five aerial duels, all game-high figures. Osimhen’s first-half strike also took his tally to 20 goals across all competitions this season.

Galatasaray tightened their grip on the game after the break, especially after Fenerbahçe goalkeeper Ederson was sent off in the 62nd minute. Barış Alper Yılmaz converted a penalty five minutes later, while Lucas Torreira added a third in the 83rd minute to seal an emphatic win.

After the match, Osimhen drew attention with his blunt remark that Galatasaray’s training sessions had been tougher than the derby itself.

Reflecting on the striker’s impact, Özen said on the Vole YouTube channel as per Habersarikirmizi:

“Osimhen is truly a bionic man (part-man, part-machine). Very few players could return from such an operation in this condition, with this willpower, and this dedication. Victor Osimhen was one of them. Therefore, I bow before him with respect.

“The issue isn’t that he scored a goal, played well, or that he gave the penalty to Barış Alper Yılmaz. You can’t easily turn things around like this. We’re watching a magnificent Osimhen.”

With Galatasaray now seven points clear at the top of the table with just three matches remaining, Osimhen’s contribution looks decisive. His presence forces defenders to double-mark him, creating space for teammates, while his leadership and relentless drive have lifted the entire squad.

The league title is now within touching distance. Galatasaray need just one more win to secure the championship, with a trip to Samsunspor on May 2 offering the chance to seal it.