Osimhen Shines in Galatasaray’s 3-2 Triumph Over Tottenham: Hoddle Left in Awe of Nigerian Star’s Impact”
In a thrilling Europa League clash at RAMS Park, Galatasaray overcame Tottenham Hotspur 3-2, thanks in large part to Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, who proved to be a relentless force against Spurs’ defense. Former England manager Glenn Hoddle, watching closely, marveled at the 24-year-old’s performance, suggesting he “could have had six” goals on the night.
The game opened with a breathtaking strike from Yunus Akgün, whose volley from Gabriel Sara’s cleared free-kick rocketed into the top corner, giving Galatasaray an early lead. Tottenham responded swiftly when Brennan Johnson whipped a low cross for Will Lankshear to tap in, leveling the score.
Osimhen, however, soon turned the tide back in Galatasaray’s favor. In the 30th minute, Tottenham’s Radu Drăgușin lost the ball under intense pressure, and Dries Mertens quickly capitalized, setting up Osimhen to finish coolly into the bottom corner. Just eight minutes later, Mertens once again found the Nigerian forward in the box, and Osimhen doubled his tally with a deft poke into the net.
Tottenham clawed back in the second half as Dominic Solanke skillfully converted a Pedro Porro pass, but the London side ultimately couldn’t break Galatasaray’s hold. Osimhen’s brace was the decisive factor, keeping Spurs at bay despite the best efforts of Dejan Kulusevski, who Hoddle noted made things challenging for the forward.
Reflecting on the match for TNT Sports, Hoddle remarked, “Victor Osimhen could have six tonight. Kulusevski just makes it awkward for him, but Spurs have got to liven up and play simple.”
Osimhen’s recent move to Galatasaray on loan from Napoli followed a rocky summer transfer window, but he’s already made a powerful impact, notching six goals and four assists in eight appearances across competitions. With Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda on the horizon, interim manager Austin Eguavoen will be hoping Osimhen’s club success translates to international form. Osimhen, called up after missing the last round, is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack and carry his blistering pace and scoring prowess onto the AFCON stage.