Osimhen Scores Sixth Goal, Suffers Injury Scare in Galatasaray’s Dramatic Win

Victor Osimhen

Osimhen Scores Sixth Goal, Suffers Injury Scare in Galatasaray’s Dramatic Win

Victor Osimhen continued his blistering start to the season, scoring his sixth goal in four league games before being forced off with a suspected groin injury as Galatasaray snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday night at the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium. The Nigerian striker broke the deadlock in the 16th minute after Lucas Torreira intercepted a pass and found Osimhen on the right edge of the box. His powerful shot crashed against the underside of the crossbar, and after the referee initially allowed play to continue, a VAR review confirmed the ball had fully crossed the line. This goal marked a remarkable achievement for the former Napoli forward, who has now contributed to the score in 15 of his last 16 Super Lig appearances. His six goals in four weeks represent the club’s best start by a foreign signing since Mario Jardel’s seven goals in the opening four weeks of the 2000-2001 season.

Osimhen’s night was cut short just 17 minutes after his goal. In the 32nd minute, he sustained what is believed to be a groin injury while pressing an opponent, immediately signalling to the bench that he could not continue. He was replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz in the 33rd minute. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk confirmed after the match that Osimhen had experienced groin discomfort and will undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury. Midfielder Mario Lemina also suffered a groin issue and was substituted at half-time, with Buruk expressing hope that both players would be available for the upcoming Champions League match against Sporting. The injury has also raised immediate concerns for the Nigerian national team, with the Super Eagles preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month. Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar on September 23 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.

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The game took several dramatic turns without Galatasaray’s star striker. Basaksehir equalised from the penalty spot in the 66th minute through Eldor Shomurodov after a controversial foul by Roland Sallai on Fayzullayev, a decision that sparked strong protests from the Galatasaray bench. Galatasaray responded swiftly, regaining the lead in the 71st minute. Rafael Leao, making his debut after his move from AC Milan, played a key role in the build-up, combining with Barış Alper Yılmaz and Ismail Jakobs before Torreira fired home from close range for his second goal involvement of the night. However, the hosts levelled again just five minutes later when Davinson Sanchez inadvertently headed a corner into his own net in the 76th minute. Basaksehir were then reduced to ten men when Umut Bozok received a straight red card in the 79th minute for a reckless challenge on Leao.

With the numerical advantage, Galatasaray pushed for a winner. Gabriel Sara provided the decisive moment in stoppage time, curling a spectacular free-kick into the net to hand the visitors all three points. The victory keeps Galatasaray’s strong start to the season intact as they sit at the top of the Super Lig table with 10 points from four matches. However, attention will now turn to the extent of Osimhen’s injury, with the club eagerly awaiting the results of his MRI scan ahead of crucial fixtures in both domestic and European competition. Galatasaray fans will be hoping the Nigerian superstar’s injury is not serious, as his goalscoring form has been instrumental to the team’s early-season success. The club’s medical team is expected to provide an update on Osimhen’s condition in the coming days.