Victor Osimhen: How Nigerian striker inspired Leao’s first Galatasaray goal

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen played a key role in handing Rafael Leão his first goal for Galatasaray against Konyaspor yesterday evening.

Osimhen, who recently became a Father of two girls after welcoming his second daughter, Liora Audrey, two days ago, led the line for Okan Buruk’s side at the Medaş Konya Büyükşehir Stadyumu.

Before kick-off, the 27-year-old was seen in a warm embrace with Nigerian teammate Chidozie Awaziem, although the latter would eventually concede four goals on the night.

Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 12th minute before Yunus Akgün doubled the lead 16 minutes later.

Aleksey Batrakov added a third for Galatasaray after half-time before Rafael Leao added a fourth in the 55th minute. Victor Osimhen made way for Denis Gul on the hour mark.

How Victor Osimhen inspired Leao’s first Galatasaray goal

The Portuguese winger joined Galatasaray from AC Milan for €38m, a big-money summer signing for the club, although fans would’ve preferred the money spent elsewhere to shore up the positions they felt needed more quality.

Leao, already under fire from his time in Italy, didn’t have a great World Cup tournament, and injuries hampered his return to full fitness.

In his first eight games, the former Sporting Lisbon winger failed to score a goal for Galatasaray, even getting booed in some games.

However, that changed against Konyaspor, thanks to Victor Osimhen. Leao was brought down in the 54th minute, and referee Cihan Aydın initially pointed towards the corner flag.

After consulting with the VAR, the Turkish referee overturned that decision and pointed to the penalty spot. Osimhen, Galatasaray’s spot-kick taker, opted against taking the opportunity.

Instead, the Nigerian handed the ball to Leao, who sent the penalty into the top corner to score his first Galatasaray goal.

After the game, the Portuguese winger revealed he was grateful for the opportunity, as he expected the Nigerian to go for two goals, especially after the birth of his second daughter.

“Yesterday was the birth of his (Osimhen) second child, so I told him before the match, ‘You have to score two goals today.’

“I’m very grateful to him. He knows how much I struggled for that goal.

“He could have scored the second goal, but he passed it to me. I’m really happy to have a teammate like that,” Leao said per Le Marca Sports.

“This kind of attitude shows we have such a great group of players, so I just want to give back my quality to them and to enjoy my game.

Former Ümit Karan also lauded the selfless gesture of the 2023 CAF Player of the Year.

“You’re heading to the top of the goal-scoring charts, and giving the ball to Leao there is a true mark of character.

“For a striker, this is the toughest move to make. He might score his 10th goal, but he’s saying, ‘Let my friend win one too.’

“These are the moves that make a team champions. I want to sincerely congratulate Osimhen once again; I’m applauding Osimhen, the father of this league.”

Leao also pleaded for patience from the Galatasaray fans, admitting he’s still not fully fit.

“I can say that the Barca match and this match were when I was at my best. But this isn’t 100% Rafael Leão.

“They absolutely shouldn’t think that. I came back from injury and didn’t have a preparation period. The technical staff has been very supportive of me throughout this process.

“The staff are constantly by my side. Our fans are constantly supporting me. And in the upcoming matches, I’ll do even more again.

“And they’ll start to see even more of me,” the 27-year-old concluded.

Galatasaray are currently five points clear at the top of the Super Lig, and will be hoping that form translates to European football when they take on VfB Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.