Okan Buruk has praised Victor Osimhen’s influence after the Nigerian striker returned from injury with a decisive display in Galatasaray’s 3-0 derby victory over Fenerbahçe.
Osimhen scored the opening goal in the Istanbul derby, setting the tone for a result that strengthened Galatasaray’s push in the Turkish Süper Lig title race. Nigerian reports also confirmed that the goal took his tally to 20 in all competitions this season.
The performance gave Galatasaray more than three points. It restored one of their most important attacking weapons at a critical stage of the campaign.
Buruk Points To Osimhen’s Value
Buruk did not hide his admiration for Osimhen after the match.
“Osimhen is valuable and important for us. He’s a character who elevates the performance of his teammates,” Buruk said.
The Galatasaray boss also noted that the Nigerian has not started every league match this season, which makes his impact even more important.
“Today was his 17th match in the starting XI in the league. He has not played half of the matches,” Buruk added.
Daily Post also reported Buruk’s praise, including the manager’s comment that Osimhen raises the level of those around him after Galatasaray’s win.
Osimhen Returns With A Statement
For Osimhen, this was the kind of return that changes the mood around a team.
Galatasaray needed authority in a derby that carried pressure, tension and title-race meaning. Osimhen gave them the first blow, and the rest of the team followed.
His goal was not just another number. It reminded Galatasaray why his presence changes the weight of their attack.
Osimhen marked his return from injury with a goal as Galatasaray beat Fenerbahçe 3-0 in the derby.
Confidence Before The Final Stretch
Osimhen also spoke with confidence after the match.
“If I get the chance, I can score against any team. That is my job, and I believe I do it well. We are getting closer to the championship,” he said.
Galatasaray are not just getting goals from Osimhen. They are getting belief, pressure, movement and personality. Buruk’s praise points to that wider effect.
When Osimhen plays with intensity, defenders react differently. Midfielders release the ball earlier. Wide players make sharper runs. The team plays with more aggression because the focal point is clear.
Fenerbahçe Complaints Dismissed
The derby also carried off-pitch tension. Osimhen dismissed complaints from Fenerbahçe around pre-match issues and said he did not understand the fuss.
“I don’t follow social media, but someone at the training ground mentioned Fenerbahçe’s complaint. I don’t understand it,” Osimhen said.
“They are playing against one of the best teams in the league. Complaining about something like that doesn’t make much sense.”
Galatasaray did their talking on the pitch, and Osimhen was central to it.
This was a derby win, but it also felt like a title-race message.
Galatasaray showed strength against their biggest rival. Osimhen returned from injury and scored. Buruk publicly underlined his value. The team moved closer to the championship picture with one of its biggest players back in rhythm.
For Nigeria, Osimhen remains the country’s biggest football export and one of the strongest Super Eagles traffic drivers anywhere in Europe.
His form at Galatasaray keeps him at the centre of national attention. It also keeps Nigerian fans locked into the Turkish title race.
The key lesson from the derby is simple. Galatasaray are dangerous with Osimhen available. And if he stays fit, their title push carries a much sharper edge.
This is IDNN. Independent. Digital. Uncompromising.
