Nigeria forward, Victor Osimhen was clutch in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win against Samsunspor, notching two goals and setting two Turkish Super Lig records in the process.
The reigning CAF Player of the year, currently on loan from Napoli, showcased his aerial prowess with a header just three minutes in, capitalizing on a cross from Lucas Torreira.
Osimhen has become the first player in Turkish Super Lig history, since Opta’s 2014-2015 data records, to score or assist in each of his first six matches.
The 25-year-old has been crucial for Galatasaray, providing assists against Rizespor and Fenerbahce and scoring consecutively in the games against Kasımpaşa, Antalyaspor, Beşiktaş, and now Samsunspor.
Despite Galatasaray’s early lead, Samsunspor equalized through an Olivier Ntcham penalty after a foul by Davinson Sánchez. But Osimhen responded in the 49th minute, rising to meet a cross and restoring Galatasaray’s advantage.
Michy Batshuayi extended the lead in the closing minutes, though Youssef Ait Bennasser scored a late penalty for Samsunspor, ending the game at 3-2.
Osimhen’s record-breaking aerial domination in Turkey
Osimhen’s influence was felt in every facet of the game, especially in aerial duels. According to Opta, his seven successful headers mark the highest in a single Turkish Super Lig match since 2014-2015.
The Lagos-born forward’s match stats highlight his overall impact. He registered nine aerial duels won out of 12, attempted six shots (three on target), and created two key passes from 32 touches.
With a passing accuracy of 67%, 10 of his 15 attempted passes found their target, and he completed one long ball, won one of four ground duels, and had one clearance.
Osimhen’s Expected Goals (xG) tally for the game was 1.09, a testament to his goal-scoring positions, as he remained a constant threat until his substitution in the 82nd minute for Hakim Ziyech.
