Osimhen upstages Ndidi, scores winner for Galatasaray in Istanbul derby

Victor Osimhen scored the only goal for Galatasaray in their 1-0 win at Besiktas on Saturday.

The Turkish SuperLig match was a keenly contested Istanbul derby that had Wilfed Ndidi, Super Eagles of Nigeria captain, marshalling midfield for Besiktas, while Osimhen, his vice-captain, led Galatasaray’s attack.

And it was Osimhen who had the vital contribution in the heated encounter that saw Leroy Sane sent off in the 62nd minutes, to extend their lead at the top of the table

The 27-year-old striker was lucky to receive only a yellow card in the sixth minute when he lost control of the ball and stamped the goalkeeper’s knee while trying to put away a goalscoring opportunity.

He was also fortunate to escape a second booking for hoofing the ball several seconds after the referee had blown for a foul he committed while trying to break through on goal.

Nevertheless Osimhen proved the difference on 39 minutes in the heated encounter, delivering a powerful low header into the net from Sane’s cross to seal Galatasaray’s 1-0 win.

Osimhen scored his 11th league goal, and the former Napoli striker has scored in his last four matches in all competitions for Galatasaray.