Osimhen has point to prove as Muriqi backs Fenerbahçe defenders ahead of derby

Victor Osimhen will look to extend his impressive record against Fenerbahçe when Galatasaray host their bitter rivals in Monday’s Intercontinental Derby at RAMS Park.

However, Fenerbahçe forward Vedat Muriqi believes defenders Milan Škriniar and Kojo Peprah Oppong can keep the Nigerian striker in check.

Speaking on beIN Sports ahead of the Süper Lig clash, Muriqi backed his teammates to win their individual battle against Osimhen. The former Lazio and Mallorca star pointed to Fenerbahçe’s experience in high-pressure matches.

Osimhen heads into the derby after scoring in Galatasaray’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Lille. The striker will be keen to maintain that form against a side he has troubled on several occasions.

Galatasaray sit top of the league with 19 points, three ahead of Fenerbahçe on 16. Monday’s result could prove important in the early race for the title.

Muriqi backs Škriniar and Oppong to stop Osimhen

Muriqi made his confidence in Fenerbahçe’s defensive pairing clear.

“I think Skriniar and Oppong will have the upper hand over Osimhen,” he said per Le Marca Sports.

The Kosovo international acknowledged Osimhen’s quality but insisted that the Nigerian should not be considered superior to his opponents.

“We respect Osimhen’s talent, but if we’re on the same field, it means we’re equals.”

Fenerbahçe may need Oppong to step up after Nathan Aké suffered a hamstring injury during their midweek Champions League match against Slavia Prague. The Ghanaian defender replaced Aké and could partner Škriniar against Galatasaray.

Muriqi believes Fenerbahçe’s experience in major competitions gives them an advantage heading into the derby.

“We have many players who have played matches of this kind many times. We have footballers who have lifted the Champions League cup, the World Cup, the European Cup, etc., who have played a lot of matches at this level. That’s why we’re one step ahead in the derby.”

Osimhen’s physical strength, movement and finishing will test that confidence. The striker has proved difficult to contain when he finds space inside the penalty area.

He also has history with Škriniar. The pair faced each other in Italy, including during Inter Milan’s meeting with Napoli in November 2021, when an aerial collision left Osimhen with multiple facial fractures. The injury led to the protective carbon-fibre mask he has worn since returning to action.

Osimhen’s unbeaten record against Fenerbahçe

Despite Muriqi’s confidence, Osimhen has yet to lose a match against Fenerbahçe. In five meetings, he has recorded three wins and two draws, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

His standout performance came in the Turkish Cup quarter-final on April 2, 2025, when he scored twice in Galatasaray’s 2-1 win to eliminate José Mourinho’s side.

He also scored in Galatasaray’s 3-0 league victory on April 26, 2026, opening the scoring in the 40th minute after returning from a five-week injury layoff.

Osimhen provided an assist in his first Istanbul derby in September 2024, when Galatasaray won 3-1. The December 2025 meeting ended in a 1-1 draw, while the February 2025 league clash finished goalless.

Those results give Galatasaray reason to trust their striker ahead of Monday’s encounter.