Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen was on the score sheet again as Galatasaray came from behind to defeat Göztepe 3–1 in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig match at the RAMS Park Stadium.
Göztepe took a surprise lead in the sixth minute through Efkan Bekiroğlu, silencing the home crowd. However, Galatasaray responded in the 19th minute when Osimhen capitalised on a defensive error to fire home the equaliser, marking his fourth goal in five league matches.
The match’s momentum shifted in Galatasaray’s favour shortly before halftime, when Göztepe’s Malcom Bokele was sent off in the 42nd minute for a dangerous challenge on Osimhen — a decision that drew complaints from visiting fans, who accused the officials of favouring the home side.
Despite the controversy, Gabriel Sara put Galatasaray ahead midway through the second half, before Mauro Icardi sealed the win late in the game to ensure the defending champions claimed all three points.
The victory keeps Galatasaray at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table with 28 points, five clear of second-placed Trabzonspor, while Göztepe remain fifth on 16 points.
After the match, Osimhen dismissed complaints about officiating and praised his teammates’ performance.
“Rival fans can cry as much as they want on social media. I don’t care — we won the match and deserved it,” the Nigerian striker said.
He also commended coach Okan Buruk, describing him as both a great tactician and a mentor.
“Okan Buruk is a great person. Besides being a great coach, he’s also a great human being. We’re ready to give everything for him,” Osimhen added.
The 26-year-old striker, who has quickly adapted to life in Turkey, has now equalled the 43 goals Buruk scored for Galatasaray during his playing career.
Osimhen further hailed the club’s supporters for their unwavering energy, saying, “Galatasaray fans make crazy noise at every match, boosting our confidence. We are the biggest club in Turkey and one of the biggest in the world.”
Galatasaray will next face Trabzonspor at home, with Osimhen warning their title rivals that “they know what they will face” at Ali Sami Yen RAMS Park.
