Victor Osimhen made an immediate impact in his Turkish Super Lig debut, registering a remarkable seven shots on goal during Galatasaray’s 5-0 rout of Rizespor on Saturday, setting a season-high record for attempts in a Super Lig match.
After missing out on potential transfers to Chelsea and Al Ahly in the summer, the 25-year-old Nigerian forward made a bold statement in his first appearance for The Yellow-Reds. Osimhen not only displayed his attacking prowess but also contributed an assist in the Game Week 5 clash at RAMS Park in Istanbul, where Davinson Sánchez, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Gabriel Sara, Dries Mertens, and Baris Yılmaz all found the net.
Osimhen was immediately integrated into the starting lineup by head coach Okan Buruk and wasted no time showcasing his talent. His physical presence and sharp movement posed a constant threat to the Rizespor defense. In the first half, Osimhen came close to scoring with a powerful header, but teammate Abdülkerim Bardakcı converted the goal-bound effort into an assist.
Beyond his assist, Osimhen’s all-around performance was impressive. He completed eight of his nine attempted passes, giving him a passing accuracy of 73%, with two key passes leading to shooting opportunities. Despite facing a resilient Rizespor defense, he managed one shot on target, two off target, and had four attempts blocked.
Osimhen also dominated in duels, winning three out of four aerial battles and ground duels. His successful dribbles further showcased his technical flair and versatility as a forward.
Although Osimhen missed a key chance to score, his debut performance sent a strong message about his potential to lead Galatasaray’s attack this season. As the reigning CAF Player of the Year, his physical and technical abilities were on full display during his full 90 minutes on the pitch.
With Galatasaray aiming to defend their league title, Osimhen’s commanding debut is a promising sign for the club’s ambitions. Fans will be eagerly anticipating his first goal in Turkish football as the season progresses.
