Victor Osimhen: Why he handed Leão the ball for a penalty

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scored the opener in Galatasaray's 4-0 win over Konyaspor, then gave Rafael Leão the ball for a penalty, according to Leão.

Osimhen headed in from Gabriel Sara's free kick in the 12th minute, Premium Times reported. Leão converted from the spot in the 55th minute, his first goal for the club since he joined in the summer, Pulse Sports Nigeria said.

Osimhen is Galatasaray's regular penalty taker. He was substituted in the 61st minute after five shots, three on target, and the win left Galatasaray on 22 points from 10 league games.

What Leão said

Leão spoke after the match, as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria. He said he was thankful to the Nigerian.

“I'm very grateful to him. He knows how much I struggled for that goal.”

He said Osimhen had become a father for the second time the day before, so he told him he needed to score two goals that day.

“He scored the first one, but during the penalty, he gave the ball to me.”

Leão added: “We have a great group.” Chidozie Awaziem played the full 90 minutes for Konyaspor. Our preview of the game set up the Osimhen and Awaziem meeting.

Analysis: What the gesture says

By stepping aside, Osimhen left his league tally at nine goals in eight appearances. For a striker still chasing club records, that is a real cost, and it shows how Galatasaray's dressing room is being managed around the team result. His derby brace had already put him high on the club's scoring list.

Galatasaray face VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League next, where Osimhen will expect to take any penalty that comes his way.