Victor Osimhen delivered a match-winning performance on Tuesday night as Galatasaray defeated arch-rivals Fenerbahçe 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Turkish Cup. The Nigerian striker opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the match and doubled his tally with a well-taken penalty in the 27th minute.
Fenerbahçe, managed by José Mourinho and featuring Super Eagles full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, pulled one back in first-half stoppage time, but couldn’t find an equaliser. The heated derby clash saw Osimhen pick up a yellow card late in the game, while Galatasaray ended the match with 10 men after a red card in added time.
Galatasaray now advanced to the last four of the competition, piling more pressure on Fenerbahçe, who trail their rivals by six points in the Turkish Super Lig, albeit with a game in hand.
Editorial
Victor Osimhen’s brace in this high-stakes Istanbul derby is a statement not just of intent, but of class and composure under pressure. Against a Mourinho-led Fenerbahçe, in a hostile environment, Osimhen’s performance underlined why he remains one of Africa’s premier forwards.
His goals weren’t just crucial they were clinical. The early opener set the tone, and the penalty was ice-cold. These are the kind of moments that define a player’s legacy at a club. Osimhen may have arrived at Galatasaray amid fanfare, but it’s nights like these that earn eternal admiration.
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As for Mourinho, the loss is yet another reminder of how Turkish football offers no easy games, no matter the CV on the bench. While the league is still in play, the cup exit stings, especially against their fiercest rivals.
From a Nigerian lens, this derby was particularly special with two Super Eagles stars on opposite ends of the battle. Osimhen may have grabbed the headlines, but it’s the story of rising Nigerian influence in global derbies that adds the most pride.
Did You Know?
- Victor Osimhen has now scored in the league, European, and domestic cup competitions for Galatasaray this season.
- José Mourinho, now at Fenerbahçe, has won domestic cups in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain but not yet in Turkey.
- Bright Osayi-Samuel has been a regular starter for Fenerbahçe since joining from QPR in 2021.
- The Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe is one of the most intense rivalries in world football, dating back over a century.
- Galatasaray are Turkey’s most successful club in terms of overall silverware, with over 50 domestic trophies to their name.
