Osimhen vs Oppong: Fenerbahçe’s big plan to stop Galatasaray star revealed

Victor Osimhen is Fenerbahçe’s biggest headache as the Istanbul giants prepare to head to the RAMS Park for their anticipated Intercontinental Derby with Galatasaray.

Fenerbahçe manager İsmail Kartal has reportedly turned to Ghanaian defender Kojo Peprah Oppong to stop Osimhen when his side face Galatasaray on Monday.

Fenerbahçe are billed to travel to RAMS Park on October 26 to face the Süper Lig leaders. But they will be without Nathan Aké after the Dutch defender picked up a hamstring injury against Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

Osimhen, meanwhile, goes into the derby after scoring in Galatasaray’s 4-2 win over Lille in Europe. The Nigerian striker also has a strong record against Fenerbahçe, giving Kartal another reason to worry about his defence.

Aké injury forces Kartal to turn to Oppong

Aké lasted just 18 minutes against Slavia Prague before limping off with a hamstring injury. Reports suggest he will spend around three weeks out, ruling him out of Monday’s derby.

Fenerbahçe also have concerns over Jayden Oosterwolde and Mert Müldür, while Marco Asensio is unavailable after undergoing knee surgery.

With several options missing, Kartal is reportedly considering Oppong for the task of containing Osimhen. The 22-year-old Ghanaian is expected to rely on his pace and physical strength to deal with the striker’s runs behind the defence.

Oppong made a promising impression after replacing Aké against Slavia Prague. He completed 35 of his 36 passes, made three interceptions and recorded two clearances.

The performance offered encouragement ahead of a much tougher test against Victor Osimhen, whose strength, pace and movement can trouble even experienced defenders.

Osimhen’s derby record spells trouble for Fenerbahçe

Osimhen has yet to lose against Fenerbahçe in his first five official appearances against the Istanbul rivals. He has recorded three wins and two draws, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

His last league meeting with Fenerbahçe, a 3-0 Galatasaray win in April 2026, was another reminder of his threat. The Super Eagles forward opened the scoring and had eight shots from inside the penalty area.

Kartal is reportedly preparing Oppong for the challenge with video analysis of Osimhen’s movement and attacking runs. The Ghanaian will need to read the striker’s intentions quickly and avoid giving him space to turn or run in behind.

Stopping the Galatasaray striker will be a major test for the young defender, particularly with Fenerbahçe short of options at the back.

Osimhen, meanwhile, will look to extend his unbeaten record against Fenerbahçe and help Galatasaray strengthen their grip on top spot in the Süper Lig.