Victor Osimhen has said that the brace of goals he scored against Samsunspor during the weekend will boost his confidence for the Super Eagles’ 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against both Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Osimhen was highly instrumental to Galatasaray beating Samsunspor 3-2 in a Turkish Super Lig game at RAMS Park on Sunday with two goals to his name.
The 25-year-old Nigerian striker played a key role in securing the top-of-the-table clash for Galatasaray who are currently league leaders against surprising challengers, Samsunspor.
Osimhen opened the scoring just four minutes into the game with a precise header from Lucas Torreira’s cross, placing the ball into the top corner to the delight of the fans.
Samsunspor equalised early in the second half but Osimhen quickly restored Galatasaray’s lead five minutes later.
He capitalised on the goalkeeper’s failure to clear a cross, heading the loose ball into the net at the far post.
This marked Osimhen’s second brace in four days following his Europa League performance in a 3-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur last Thursday.
With six goals in six league matches and eight goals in nine appearances since his loan spell began, Osimhen’s form continues to impress.
After his brace, both teams exchanged goals, but Osimhen’s efforts proved crucial in securing all three points for Galatasaray who extended their lead at the top of the league to six points.
Osimhen during an interview with the Galatasaray TV YouTube channel said his brace against Samsunspor will boost his confidence for the Super Eagles’ 2025 AFCON qualifiers against both Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Nigeria will visit Benin Republic in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Thursday, November 14 before coming back home to play host to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Monday, November 18 to round off their AFCON qualifiers.
“The match was very difficult. We got a very important victory. We played against an opponent who knows what they are doing. I have a lot of respect for them,” Osimhen said.
“They played very well. We saw why they are in these places. It was very important for us to go into the national break with a victory. Not just for the leadership.
“We will go to the national teams. It was a confidence boost for there too. When we return, we will try to win every match again. We have a team that is strong enough to win every match.”
The Super Eagles striker also said that he is very happy at Galatasaray because the fans have been showing him great love and they were extraordinary against Samsunspor as well.
“I want to dedicate the victory to them as well. I thank them very much. I also dedicate my goals to Mauro Icardi,” he said referring to his injured teammate and fellow striker.
“Today was an important day for both Atatürk and Mauro. I dedicate my goals to them. He has always shown me love since I have been here. He treated me very well. He is also a very important figure for the team.
“We know that he will come back very strong. We trust him very much. He is a very important leader for the team, a very important character. I dedicate my wins and my goals to him.
“I know how important a day this is. I greet the Turkish people. Before I came to Turkey, I didn’t know much about this great person. After I came to Turkey, I talked about Atatürk with my teammates.
“There are huge photos of him everywhere. I tried to learn from everyone what he meant. Frankly, I have a lot of respect. He deserves much more respect.
“I think we need to do much more for him. I realized that he is truly a very important figure for history. I also feel this respect with his sazla.”
