Victor Osimhen: Why Fenerbahçe must find a way to stop Galatasaray star

Victor Osimhen has yet to lose against Fenerbahçe in five appearances for Galatasaray, giving the Nigerian striker a strong record ahead of Monday’s Intercontinental Derby.

The 27-year-old has won three and drawn two of those matches, scoring three goals and providing an assist against Galatasaray’s biggest rivals.

Galatasaray host Fenerbahçe at RAMS Park on October 26, with both sides chasing an early advantage in the Süper Lig title race.

Okan Buruk’s team sit top of the table with 19 points from eight matches, three ahead of third-placed Fenerbahçe on 16 points. A win would confirm Galatasaray’s superiority over their eternal foes, while defeat could allow their rivals to close the gap.

Osimhen’s record against Fenerbahçe makes him one of the players the visitors must contain if they are to leave RAMS Park with a positive result.

Victor Osimhen has troubled Fenerbahçe before

Victor Osimhen’s best performance against Fenerbahçe came in April 2025, when he scored twice in Galatasaray’s 2-1 Turkish Cup quarter-final victory.

He put Galatasaray ahead with a powerful finish in the 10th minute before converting a penalty in the 27th minute. His brace helped eliminate José Mourinho’s side from the competition.

The former Napoli striker was also on target when Galatasaray beat Fenerbahçe 3-0 in the league in April this year. Returning after five weeks out with an injury, Osimhen opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a close-range finish.

The 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year troubled Fenerbahçe’s defence throughout the match, recording eight attempts from inside the penalty area.

Osimhen played the full match in Galatasaray’s 0-0 draw with Fenerbahçe in February 2025 and their 1-1 draw in December. He also provided an assist in a 3-1 away victory in September 2024.

Fenerbahçe will need to keep him away from dangerous positions and prevent him from getting on the end of crosses and passes into the box.

Fenerbahçe’s defence faces a stern test

Fenerbahçe have scored 22 goals in eight league matches, the highest total in the division, but their defence will face a different challenge against Victor Osimhen.

They have conceded only six goals this season, a record that gives them reason for confidence. However, they will need to stay organised against a striker who has already shown he can punish them.

Osimhen also arrives after scoring in Galatasaray’s 4-2 Champions League win over Lille. The goal took his European tally for the Turkish club to 14, moving him past Milan Baroš as Galatasaray’s highest-scoring foreign player in European competition.

Fenerbahçe must find a way to limit Osimhen’s influence, particularly inside the penalty area. Allowing him time and space could prove costly, given his record in the derby.

With the league leaders looking to extend their advantage, the striker could once again play a decisive role in one of Turkish football’s biggest fixtures.