Former Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba has reacted to the emotional tribute supporters paid to Victor Osimhen during the Turkish club’s UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool, Soccernet.ng reports.
Fans of Galatasaray S.K. unveiled a large tifo banner at RAMS Park ahead of the Round of 16 first-leg tie, honouring the Nigerian striker and his late mother.
The touching gesture visibly moved Osimhen, who wiped away tears during the pre-match lineup as the tribute appeared in the stands.
Didier Drogba sends message to Victor Osimhen after emotional Galatasaray tribute
Following the moment, the former Galatasaray hero who won the Turkish Super Lig with the club in 2013 — shared the banner on Instagram while sending a heartfelt message of support to the Nigerian forward.
The Ivorian legend referred to Galatasaray supporters as an “army of lions”, which further firms the strong backing Osimhen enjoys at the club.
“Told you you have an Army of lions with you @victorosimhen9. Condolences and stay strong my Brother .”
Osimhen has long described Drogba as one of his football idols, and the pair have developed a close bond over the years.
The former Chelsea forward was also reported to have encouraged Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray, where the Super Eagles star has become one of the team’s key attacking figures.
Victor Osimhen moved to tears as Galatasaray fans honour his late mother
The emotional tribute came before Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League encounter with Liverpool at RAMS Park in Istanbul.
A footage shared by Pooja Media spotted supporters displayed a massive tifo featuring illustrations of Osimhen in both Galatasaray and Nigeria colours alongside an image of his late mother.
Osimhen has often spoken about the pain of losing his mother at a young age while growing up in Lagos, making the gesture particularly meaningful for the 27-year-old.
Despite the emotional build-up, Galatasaray went on to secure a 1–0 victory over Liverpool, with Mario Lemina scoring the decisive goal in the seventh minute to give the Turkish champions an advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield.
While the night in Istanbul further strengthened the connection between Osimhen and Galatasaray supporters, the Nigerian attacker will be looking to strengthen his bond with the fans even more with goal contributions when they travel to face Liverpool in the second-leg of the encounter.
