Victor Osimhen: The mentality that makes Galatasaray striker different from others

Victor Osimhen has already earned his place among Galatasaray’s most important goalscorers, Afrik-Foot reports.

Yet Turkish commentator Ahmet Çakar believes there is something beyond goals and talent that makes the Nigeria striker different. And that is Osimhen’s hunger to prove himself.

Çakar made the claim after Osimhen delivered an outstanding performance in Galatasaray’s 4-0 win at Erzurumspor on Friday night. The Super Eagles forward registered two goals and an assist to power the champions to a convincing away win.

The result gave Galatasaray their first league win of the 2026-27 season after a 2-2 draw with Çorum FK in their opening game. The former Napoli man scored in the 45th and 80th minutes at Kazım Karabekir Stadium.

Osimhen plays like he still has something to prove

While Çakar’s applauded Osimhen’s finishing, the Turkish football expert was even more thrilled about the Nigeria international’s mindset.

“Osimhen is the best foreign striker to have come to Türkiye,” Çakar said as per GSGazette. “He wants to prove himself not only in terms of football but also mentally. He’s hungry, as if he’s playing football for the first time and is striving to show himself.”

That hunger helps explain why Osimhen can look so intense even when Galatasaray are already in control. Against Erzurumspor, he did not stop after scoring before half-time. He returned for a second goal in the 80th minute to complete a 4-0 win.

For his first goal, the ex-Lille star’s relentless pressing, even with Galatasaray already leading with two goals, forced the opponent’s goalkeeper to make the mistake that lead a simple, empty-net finish.

Deep in stoppage time, Osimhen took in the role of a defensive striker, running into Galatasaray’s penalty area to stop an Erzurumspor attack. The Nigerian forward never gives up, he hates losing and doesnl not even want his team to concede a goal.

Çakar also believes Galatasaray’s attack gives Osimhen the platform to make that mentality count. He said the club have the strongest starting XI in Türkiye and that the Super Eagles striker’s influence is enormous.

The 27-year-old’s four-year contract, signed in July 2025, came after Galatasaray paid Napoli €75 million. His deal includes a €15 million net annual guaranteed salary.

Yet Osimhen’s performances suggest he does not play like a player who thinks his status is secure. That is the mentality Çakar sees as different and one that has made him one of the finest strikers in the world.