Osimhen expected to return against Fatih Karagümrük
Galatasaray began their 2025/26 Turkish Süper Lig title defence in style on Friday night, cruising to a comprehensive 3-0 win over 10-man Gaziantep away from home, despite the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen was left out of the squad for the season opener due to fitness concerns, but the champions showed no signs of struggle without their record signing.
Barış Yılmaz opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute before setting up Eren Elmalı for the second just four minutes later. Yılmaz then completed his brace in first-half stoppage time, again from the spot, to give Galatasaray a commanding 3-0 lead at the break.
Gaziantep did their best to limit the damage in the second half despite going one man down in the 65th minute after goalkeeper Mustafa Bozan was sent off for a foul.
Osimhen, who returned to Galatasaray permanently from Napoli for a Turkish record €75 million, will be hoping to feature in the club’s next fixture at home to Fatih Karagümrük.
The Nigeria international enjoyed a stellar 2024/25 campaign, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, helping Galatasaray secure a domestic double and finishing as the league’s top scorer.
Fans will be eager to see the Nigerian after they had clamoured and appealed to the club to bring him back after his successful loan spell.
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