Sports News of Thursday, 15 May 2025
Source: soccernet.ng
In the picturesque Yeşilhisar district of Kayseri, nestled at the gateway to Cappadocia, one passionate Galatasaray supporter is paying tribute to Victor Osimhen in a unique and heartwarming way.
Neslihan Demir, a 56-year-old farmer and mother of four, has captured the imagination of Galatasaray fans with her handmade “Osimhen doll” — a knitted figure in the likeness of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, complete with his signature protective mask.
Demir, who lives in the rural Yeşilova neighbourhood, is known locally for crafting traditional dolls, a hallmark of her Soğanlı village.
But her latest creation is anything but ordinary. Inspired by Osimhen’s electric performances and by his record-breaking season, Demir has spent a week crafting a detailed doll of the player as a special gift.
“I love Osimhen very much,” Demir said as per Buzz Spor.
“I worked for a week. I knitted it with four different colours of yarn. I also made his mask. I tried to do everything perfectly.”
A lifelong Galatasaray fan, Demir watches every match religiously and is convinced the club is on course for a historic season.
“I want to give this doll to Osimhen as a championship gift. We have had Osimhen for a year, I want him to stay. If the management raises money to buy him, I will support him too.”
Demir’s passion for dolls began in childhood, passed down by her mother in a time when toys were scarce.
“There were no toys in the past, we couldn’t buy them ready-made,” she said.
“I used to knit dolls for my children, I used to make them out of cloth. I continue that tradition. I knit dolls for my grandchildren and give them as gifts to the children of my friends and relatives.”
Demir’s affection for Galatasaray extends to the club’s other stars too.
“Of course, I also love Barış Alper Yılmaz and Muslera,” she added.
Kayseri'de çiftçilikle uğraşan Neslihan Demir:
— Buzz Spor (@buzzspor) May 15, 2025
"Osimhen bir senedir bizde, kalmasını istiyorum. Onu almak için yönetim para toplarsa ben de destek çıkarım.
Galatasaray'ı çok seviyorum. Ailecek Galatasaraylıyız. Osimhen için bir bebek ördüm. Bir hafta uğraştım, 4 farklı renk… pic.twitter.com/ap3XpCldw0