Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen marked his return from injury with an assist as Galatasaray defeated Kasımpaşa 3-1 in the Turkish Süper Lig on Friday, boosting the club ahead of its crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Barcelona.
The Nigerian forward, who had been sidelined for 35 days with a groin injury, came on in the 77th minute at RAMS Park as Galatasaray sought to regain control after surrendering their first-half lead.
Osimhen made an immediate impact, setting up Mario Lemina for Galatasaray’s third goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time to seal the victory.
The hosts had taken the lead shortly before half-time through Abdülkerim Bardakcı, who headed home from a free-kick in the 45th minute after a VAR review confirmed the goal.
However, the match became more complicated for Galatasaray when Lucas Torreira was sent off in the 65th minute following a VAR review of his challenge, leaving the home side with 10 men.
Kasımpaşa capitalised on their numerical advantage three minutes later, with Jesuran Rak-Sakyi firing home a rebound to level the score at 1-1.
Despite being a man down, Galatasaray continued to push for a winner. Barış Alper Yılmaz restored their lead in the 90th minute, finishing inside the left post after Ismail Jakobs delivered the ball into the box.
Osimhen then supplied the decisive pass for Lemina in stoppage time, completing a dramatic finish and securing three points for the Turkish champions.
The comeback represents a significant boost for Galatasaray and Nigeria, with Osimhen’s return providing fresh attacking options after his absence from club football and Nigeria’s recent international fixtures.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 league victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. Before being sidelined, he had made an impressive start to the season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four league appearances.
His carefully managed return is particularly timely, as Galatasaray prepare for their Champions League meeting with Barcelona next week.
