Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen registered as assist on his debut for Galatasaray in their 5-0 thrashing of Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen was thrown right into the fire upon his arrival at Galatasaray as he was named in the starting eleven for their Super Lig game against Rizespor at Rams Park.
The stadium was packed to the brim as Galatasaray fans turned up in numbers to see their latest star acquisition.
Galatasaray were the overwhelming favourites to win the fixture, and they got into the business of the day quickly, as Davinson Sanchez gave them the lead just three minutes in.
Even after scoring, the Super Lig champions kept on piling the pressure. And in the 15th minute, they almost got their second. Osimhen showcased his prowess in the air, latching onto a cross from the wing and planting a header amid pressure from Rizespor defenders. Unfortunately for him, his effort just dragged wide.
After their constant pressing, Galatasaray got their second goal of the game. A cross was swung in from a set piece, and Osimhen met the ball with a fine header. The ball looked like it was destined for the net, but a Galatasaray player Abdulkerim Bardakci got his foot to it just before it entered the net. As such, Osimhen was credited with the assist, while Bardakci was credited with the goal.
Victor Osimhen scores on his debut for Galatasaray 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Osimhen will so cook this Turkish League 🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/EUQbwv091n
— SportsDokita (Odogwu ☝️) (@Sports_Doctor2) September 14, 2024
Nonetheless, all the Galatasaray players celebrated with Osimhen after the goal.
The home side continued dominate play after their second goal. Osimhen got another chance to score just before halftime, but it was clear that the Rizespor players were keen on keeping him out as they threw themselves at his strike from inside the box.
In the second half, Galatasaray did not stop pushing for goals, and they got their third just three minutes in, courtesy of Gabriel Sara. Then in the 61st minute, Dries Mertens added one more to make it 4-0 for the Super Lig champions.
Osimhen got another good opportunity in the 78th minute as he struck a ball at goal from inside the box. But Ivo Grbic made a great save to deny him. Nonetheless, Galatasaray wrapped up the scoring with a goal from Kaan Ayhan in the 80th minute. It eventually ended 5-0 in Galatasaray’s favour.
Osimhen had seven attempts on goal goal, but he failed to convert any of them. Despite the disappointment, he will be looking to get his first goal in their next game against Gaziantep.