Osimhen closes on Galatasaray foreign scoring record with derby brace
Victor Osimhen moved to 68 goals for Galatasaray after netting twice in Monday's 2-1 Istanbul derby win over Fenerbahçe, putting him within striking distance of the club's all-time foreign scoring record. The Nigerian striker now sits third on the list, nine goals behind leader Mauro Icardi (77) and four behind Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi (72).
Osimhen's brace continues a blistering start to the season — nine goals and three assists in just nine appearances across all competitions for Okan Buruk's side. At 27, he's averaging a goal contribution per game and showing no signs of slowing in the Turkish Super Lig.
The milestone carries weight beyond club history. Osimhen is carving out a legacy as one of Nigeria's most prolific exports in European football, joining the ranks of Kanu, Okocha, and Mikel Obi as Super Eagles who defined eras abroad. His form also strengthens Nigeria's attacking options ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Galatasaray currently top the Turkish league, and Osimhen's pursuit of Icardi adds a personal subplot to their title defence. The Argentine striker, now at Inter Miami, set the benchmark in 2023-24. Hagi's 72-goal mark stood for two decades before Icardi surpassed it.
Which Nigerian striker abroad will hit the next historic milestone — Osimhen chasing Galatasaray glory, or Boniface rewriting Bundesliga records at Leverkusen?