Victor Osimhen’s dream of lifting the Turkish Super Lig title is edging closer to reality — without even stepping onto the pitch on Sunday — as Galatasaray received an unexpected boost from their fiercest rivals, Soccernet.ng reports.
Fenerbahce, managed by José Mourinho, suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat at home to Besiktas, effectively handing Galatasaray a significant advantage in the title race.
The loss came just 24 hours after Osimhen’s brace in Gala’s 4-1 demolition of Sivasspor had extended their lead to eight points at the top of the table.
While expectations were high that Fenerbahce would respond against a struggling Besiktas side, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men had other ideas.
Gedson Fernandes, once coached by Mourinho at Tottenham, struck the only goal after capitalising on a defensive error, making up for an earlier missed penalty.
It was Solskjaer’s second major scalp since taking charge, having already beaten Galatasaray earlier in the year.
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Mourinho’s loss, Osimhen’s gain: Galatasaray benefit from Fenerbahce’s slip against Besiktas
Osimhen, who has been electric since his record-breaking move to Turkey, watched on as the title swung further in Galatasaray’s favour.
The Nigerian striker has now scored 24 league goals for the Istanbul giants, making him the Super Lig’s top goalscorer.
The implications of Sunday’s result are massive. With just four matches remaining, Galatasaray sit eight points clear at the summit. For Mourinho, who had hoped to mount a late-season push, the loss may well have sealed Fenerbahce’s fate.
The match wasn’t without drama.
Fenerbahce had a strong penalty shout turned down following a collision between Youssef En-Nesyri and Besiktas goalkeeper Mert Gunok, triggering chaos on and off the pitch. Multiple bookings followed as tempers flared and pressure mounted in the stands.
Amid the turmoil, chants from home fans demanded the resignation of club president Ali Koç and his deputy, Acun Ilicali — the owner of Hull City.
For Galatasaray and Osimhen, however, the picture is much brighter. Their grip on the title has never looked firmer, and the Nigerian’s potential to crown his debut season with silverware is closer than ever.
It would be a fitting end to his memorable spell in Turkey before a summer where he is expected to make a big-money move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.
