Osimhen urges Galatasaray improvement after 2-2 draw
Osimhen’s Call for Improvement
Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles striker, has called for improvement from Galatasaray following their 2-2 draw against newly promoted Çorum on the opening day of the 2026/27 season. Osimhen scored both goals for the Turkish champions, helping them secure their first point of the season after nearly suffering a defeat.
Despite his individual performance, Osimhen expressed dissatisfaction with the result. He emphasised the need for his teammates to learn from the outcome, stating that such opponents are challenging and that the team needs a “wake-up call.” He highlighted that all upcoming matches would be difficult and stressed the importance of correcting their mistakes.
Match Dynamics and Player Performances
The draw saw Galatasaray surrender an early lead. Osimhen initially put the hosts ahead in the 53rd minute. However, Çorum responded quickly, with Alexandros Kyziridis scoring in the 59th minute. Just two minutes later, Çorum took a 2-1 lead after a defensive error by Galatasaray centre-back Davinson Sanchez, which allowed Jesus Ramirez to score.
Galatasaray gained a numerical advantage in the 70th minute when Kyziridis received a red card for a foul. Despite being a man up, the hosts had to wait until the 90th minute for Osimhen to head in a corner from Gabriel Sara, securing the 2-2 draw. Leroy Sane, another key player for Galatasaray, started the match but was substituted before the end, with some criticism directed at his performance.
Turkish journalist Burak Özdemir reportedly described Sane’s body language as “terrible” and his performance as “even worse.” Sane, who joined Galatasaray on a free transfer in summer 2025, is said to have had a mixed first season and a difficult start to his second campaign.
Future Outlook and Transfer Speculation
Osimhen stressed that Galatasaray must improve as a team to compete effectively in all competitions this season, including their upcoming Champions League campaign. He called for the team to build momentum and acknowledged that it would be a tough season, expressing his readiness to give his all for the club.
Following the disappointing draw, there have been increased calls for new signings at Galatasaray. Coach Okan Buruk indicated that the current week would be important for new acquisitions, particularly in attacking positions, to address existing gaps and enhance internal competition. Reports suggest the club has been linked with players like Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal, and Rafael Leao from Milan, though a move for Martinelli is reportedly not currently on the cards.
Regarding his own future, Osimhen addressed ongoing transfer speculation, stating that he remains focused on his work at Galatasaray. He mentioned that there are always rumours during transfer seasons but reiterated his commitment to the club for now, with his contract running until 2029.
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has reportedly stated that the club has no intention of selling Osimhen this summer, regardless of any potential offers. Ozbek conveyed to his inner circle that he would not agree to any transaction that would be detrimental to Galatasaray. Osimhen’s brace on the opening day helped secure a point for Galatasaray in their 2-2 draw against Çorum.
Source: punchng.com
