Istanbul, Turkey — Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen continued his extraordinary run of form on Sunday night by reaching a new personal milestone and helping Galatasaray secure the 2024/25 Turkish Super Lig title following a commanding 3-0 victory over Kayserispor at the packed Rams Park Stadium.
The 26-year-old Super Eagles star struck in the 26th minute to open the scoring, recording his 25th goal in just 29 league appearances this season. Osimhen’s prolific performance further solidifies his status as the league’s top scorer and a key figure in Galatasaray’s championship campaign.
Osimhen’s goal placed him in elite company, with football statistics firm Opta confirming that he is now only the third foreign player in Galatasaray’s history to score 25 or more goals in a single Super Lig season. He follows in the footsteps of Bafetimbi Gomis, who achieved the feat in 2017-18, and Mauro Icardi, who accomplished the same in the 2023-24 season.
A Historic Season for Osimhen
Joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli at the start of the season, Osimhen has exceeded expectations. With 36 goals and eight assists in 40 matches across all competitions, he has become an indispensable part of the Turkish club’s attack. His athleticism, composure in front of goal, and relentless work ethic have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for defenders in the Super Lig.
“I am very happy to have contributed to this historic season,” Osimhen told local media after the final whistle. “When I came to Galatasaray, I had one goal — to help this great club win the title. Achieving that with this group of players and in front of our fans is an unforgettable experience.”
Galatasaray Clinch the Title in Style
Sunday’s victory not only added three more points to Galatasaray’s tally but also confirmed their status as champions of the Turkish Super Lig with two matches to spare. The Lions now sit atop the table with 89 points, holding an eight-point lead over arch-rivals Fenerbahçe, who are in second place with 81 points.
The match saw Galatasaray dominate from the outset, with goals from Osimhen and two more from Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Dries Mertens ensuring a comprehensive 3-0 triumph. The atmosphere at Rams Park was electric, with tens of thousands of fans erupting in celebration as the final whistle blew, marking the club’s 24th league title in history.
“This is the reward for months of hard work, unity, and determination,” said Galatasaray’s manager Okan Buruk. “Victor Osimhen has been a phenomenal addition to our squad. His goals, leadership, and hunger for success lifted the entire team. We are proud of him and proud of every player who made this title possible.”
Golden Boot Within Reach
With 25 league goals under his belt, Osimhen now leads the Golden Boot race in Turkey by a four-goal margin. His closest challenger, Krzysztof Piątek, has netted 21 goals so far. With two games left in the season, the Nigerian forward is widely expected to seal the top scorer title unless a dramatic shift occurs in the final fixtures.
Securing the Golden Boot would mark another achievement in a remarkable season for Osimhen, who has been linked with a return to Napoli or a potential transfer to major clubs across Europe, including those in the Premier League and Bundesliga.
Praise from Across the Football World
Osimhen’s exploits have not gone unnoticed beyond Turkey. Analysts and former players have lauded the striker’s ability to adapt quickly to a new league and culture, while maintaining his lethal form in front of goal.
“Victor Osimhen is simply world-class,” said Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha in an interview with SuperSport. “He’s shown he can lead the line, break records, and deliver trophies. What he’s done at Galatasaray this season deserves all the recognition.”
Fans across Nigeria and the African continent have flooded social media with praise and congratulations, celebrating Osimhen not just as a football star, but also as an ambassador for African excellence in the sport.
What’s Next for Osimhen?
As the Turkish league draws to a close, speculation around Osimhen’s future continues to intensify. Though his loan spell with Galatasaray has proven successful, Napoli may consider bringing him back into their squad, or use his current form as leverage for a lucrative transfer deal.
For now, the striker remains focused on finishing the season on a high note.
“There’s still work to do,” Osimhen said. “We want to end the season strongly and give our fans even more to cheer about. I’ll give my best until the final game.”
Galatasaray’s Glorious Return to Dominance
The 2024/25 season has been one of redemption and dominance for Galatasaray. After narrowly missing out on the title last season, the club rebuilt its squad and strategy, with Osimhen at the center of their attacking ambitions.
With 89 points and a +47 goal difference, Galatasaray have shown consistency, resilience, and class throughout the campaign. Their latest triumph solidifies their status as one of Europe’s most successful clubs outside the traditional “big five” leagues.
Conclusion: A Nigerian Star Shines Bright in Turkey
Victor Osimhen’s impact at Galatasaray has been both historical and inspirational. From leading the Golden Boot race to helping his team lift the Turkish Super Lig title, the Nigerian striker has written his name into the club’s history books. As the season nears its end, fans await to see if more accolades — and possibly a permanent move — lie ahead for this African football sensation.
