Osimhen answers Mourinho spectacularly

Robin Bairner

21 Sept 2024 20:58 BST
3 min read

Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Victor Osimhen enjoyed a sensational display for Galatasaray as they claimed a famous 3-1 victory over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce away from home, responding to the Portuguese spectacularly after some trademark mind games from the former Chelsea boss.

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Left out in midweek for the clash against Rizespor, Osimhen was thrown back into the starting XI for the visiting side against their major rivals, despite having spent much of the summer in limbo training alone as a transfer from Napoli was thrashed out.

His lack of action, though, did not stop him from having a decisive impact on the match.

STATS

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

2

Games
0

Goals
2

Assists

Osimhen’s biggest moment came after 28 minutes as Gala went two goals clear thanks to his assist for new teammate Dries Mertens. It was his second assist in as many appearances for his new team.

The 25-year-old Nigeria international had a total of four shots at goal, one of which hit the target.

He was particularly good at finding space around the edge of the Fenerbahce box, with his qualities on the break evident as he twice went close to opening his account from such situations.

Chelsea maintain a close eye on the striker and will have watched his performance with interest ahead of a possible January transfer due to a break clause in the loan contract.

© IMAGO - Mourinho and Osimhen have history

Mourinho turns the heat up

There had been much focus on Osimhen coming into this match not just because of his profile.

Prior to this massive derby, Mourinho had turned the heat up on the African by suggesting that he is prone to diving.

“I don't have problems with Victor,” Mourinho, who most recently coached Roma in Serie A before joining Fenerbahce, told HT Spor.

“In fact, we have a very good relationship. But every time I play against him, I speak with him because I don't like the way he behaves. He dives too much.

“I told him, 'Look, you are one of the two best African players, you and Mohamed Salah.'

“In the past, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto'o, George Weah. You cannot behave like this. He dives too much. That's my problem with him.”

Osimhen won two fouls against Galatasary, but the crucial thing for him was that his side picked up three points that put them five ahead of Fenerbahce in the Super Lig.