Sports News of Saturday, 1 November 2025

Source: www.punchng.com

Osimhen, Onuachu clash in Istanbul

Osimhen Osimhen

Nigerian strikers Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu will go head-to-head when Galatasaray clash with Trabzonspor on Saturday in a top-of-the-table match at Rams Park in Istanbul.

The champions are currently top of the league table with 28 points and are yet to taste defeat this season, alongside Fenerbahce, whilst Trabzonspor have 23 points.

Galatasaray will remain at the top of the table even if they lose, whilst Fenerbahce could overtake Trabzonspor if they fail to pick up the maximum three points.

Super Eagles stars Osimhen and Onuachu will determine who will secure a great result, as they are both influential players for their respective clubs.

Osimhen scored 26 league goals for Galatasaray last season during his loan spell, but has had a slow start this season after signing for the club permanently.

According to Transfermarkt, he has three goals in seven league matches this season, as he is yet to hit full form and missed three matches due to an injury suffered on international duty.

However, he has been impactful for Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League. He scored three goals in two games, winning matches against Liverpool and Bodo/Glimt, whilst the Lions lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in his absence.

Onuachu, like Osimhen, spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Trabzonspor from EFL Championship side Southampton after the club was relegated.

He returned to Southampton after they gained promotion again in the 2024/25 season and left again to join Trabzonspor permanently in January 2025.

Onuachu has hit top form for the club this season, scoring seven goals and providing one assist, and has won two Goals of the Month awards.

Onuachu has scored more goals this season and is in better form, but Osimhen is a big-game player and could overshadow his compatriot on the day.

Galatasaray have won 30 direct matches against Trabzonspor, who have won 14 matches, with 10 matches ending in a draw.

Meanwhile, Osimhen is set to star in a Turkish commercial for €2m as part of promotional efforts for a real estate project in Istanbul.

Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek made the announcement at a sponsor launch event, where he revealed that the sponsors contributed to Osimhen’s transfer.

The Nigerian striker will feature in the commercial as part of the promotional effort for the Next Level Kemer project developed by Pasifik GYO in Kemerburgaz.

Coach Okan Buruk also attended the event.

“Pasifik Holding and Galatasaray are in constant discussions to strengthen our relationship. We are collaborating on the infrastructure projects we will develop in Kemerburgaz,” Özbek said.

“We have also begun discussions regarding the Next Level Kemer project. There are opportunities for our football players to invest in real estate here under very favourable conditions.

“Pasifik Holding will film a commercial for Victor Osimhen’s Next Level projects. We had already discussed Victor’s transfer before he arrived in Türkiye.

“As stated in our contract, Next Level will contribute approximately €2 million to this commercial.”

Osimhen’s record signing has more than justified his €75m transfer fee from Napoli, with the Nigerian striker already earning the club a staggering €31m through his performances and commercial impact.

According to Turkish outlet Sportx, Osimhen’s goals in both the league and the Champions League have proven highly profitable for the Istanbul giants.