Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has revealed that his decision to substitute in-form Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen during their commanding 4-1 victory over Sivasspor was a calculated move to protect the player from injury and suspension, despite the forward being in red-hot form.
The Turkish Super Lig champions took a major step toward retaining their crown with a dominant performance at RAMS Park on Saturday night, where Osimhen once again stole the spotlight by netting a clinical brace. With his two-goal contribution, the Super Eagles star has now scored an impressive 33 goals across all competitions in what has been a sensational debut campaign for the Istanbul-based giants.
Despite being on the cusp of a potential hat-trick, Osimhen was withdrawn in the 70th minute and replaced by Belgian veteran Dries Mertens. The decision raised eyebrows among fans and commentators, many of whom believed the 25-year-old was poised to deliver another match ball performance.
Buruk Prioritizes Player Safety and Long-Term Goals
Speaking after the match, Okan Buruk explained his rationale for pulling Osimhen off the pitch early, stressing that the club must balance performance with player protection during a critical phase of the season.
“I prevented him from raising his career record,” Buruk said with a chuckle, in comments published on Galatasaray’s official website. “I took him out of the game early, thinking about the next match. I wanted to reduce the risk of injury, and he is also on the verge of receiving a card.”
Buruk noted that while Osimhen, like most elite players, was eager to continue playing and chase a possible hat-trick, the coaching staff had to take a broader view.
“The players actually want to continue,” he added. “He could have scored a hat-trick today. But we are also fighting a separate battle to protect our players on the sidelines. That is why I may have prevented him from improving his career record.”
Osimhen’s Impact in Turkey
Victor Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray in a high-profile transfer deal earlier this season, has quickly established himself as one of the most lethal forwards in European football. His arrival in Turkey was seen as a statement of intent by the Istanbul giants, and he has more than lived up to expectations.
With 33 goals to his name so far this season, Osimhen has not only helped fire Galatasaray to the top of the league table but has also been a key figure in their European campaign. His combination of speed, power, and finishing has terrorized defenses, and fans have embraced him as a club hero in record time.
Saturday’s brace against Sivasspor demonstrated his instinctive goal-scoring abilities once again. His first goal came in the opening half, a well-placed finish after expertly timing his run. The second followed shortly after the break, as he latched onto a through ball and slotted it past the goalkeeper with composure.
Title Race Heats Up
The 4-1 triumph keeps Galatasaray firmly in the driver’s seat in the race for the Turkish Super Lig title. With only a few matches left in the campaign, the Lions are closing in on a historic third consecutive league crown—a feat they haven’t achieved since the early 2000s.
Okan Buruk has been instrumental in this success, managing a balanced squad and integrating new signings like Osimhen into a well-drilled attacking unit. His decision to prioritize squad health over individual milestones underscores his strategic approach to managing high-pressure moments.
Fans Show Support Despite Substitution
Although there was some initial disappointment in the stands when Osimhen was substituted with 20 minutes left on the clock, the Galatasaray faithful were quick to show their appreciation. The Nigerian striker received a standing ovation as he made his way to the bench, acknowledging fans with a broad smile and a thumbs-up.
Social media also buzzed with reactions following the match, with many supporters applauding both the player’s performance and Buruk’s cautious but wise management.
“Osimhen could’ve had his hat-trick, but protecting him was the right call. We need him fit for the final run-in,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Looking Ahead
With only a handful of games remaining in the Super Lig season, Galatasaray will need their star striker in top condition. Buruk confirmed that the coaching team is closely monitoring player workloads, particularly as the risk of injuries increases late in the season.
“We have important games coming up,” the coach said. “We can’t afford to lose key players. That’s why we make these decisions. I trust the whole squad, and everyone knows their role.”
Osimhen himself has not publicly commented on the substitution, but insiders close to the team say he fully understands the reasoning and remains focused on helping Galatasaray lift the trophy at the end of the campaign.
Conclusion
Victor Osimhen’s sensational performance against Sivasspor may have been cut short by a tactical substitution, but his contribution to Galatasaray’s title pursuit remains invaluable. Head coach Okan Buruk’s decision to prioritize the player’s health and avoid potential disciplinary issues highlights the delicate balance managers must strike during crunch time in a championship race.
With 33 goals under his belt and the possibility of silverware on the horizon, Osimhen’s debut season in Turkey is already one for the history books—and the story is far from over.
