Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen produced a stellar performance on Wednesday night, scoring twice to inspire Galatasaray to a commanding 3–1 victory over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in their UEFA Champions League group stage clash in Istanbul.
The 26-year-old forward struck early in the 4th minute, finishing clinically into the bottom corner after a smart assist from Mario Lemina.
He doubled the lead in the 33rd minute, capitalising on poor defending from Bodo’s backline to fire home a composed finish that sent the home crowd into raptures.
Galatasaray dominated proceedings for most of the first half, with Leroy Sané and Yunus Akgün tormenting the visitors’ defence with pace and precision.
Despite a few early saves from Bodo’s goalkeeper Nikita Haikin, the Turkish champions’ pressure proved relentless.
Akgün put the result beyond doubt on the hour mark, slamming home a rebound from close range to make it 3-0, before Andreas Helmersen headed in a consolation goal for Bodo/Glimt in the 76th minute.
Osimhen could have had a hat-trick after coming close on several occasions, forcing Haikin into two fine saves before being substituted in the 73rd minute to a standing ovation from Galatasaray fans.
The result leaves Galatasaray in a strong position in their Champions League group, with manager Okan Buruk praising his side’s intensity and Osimhen’s leadership.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray in a high-profile summer transfer, has now scored three goals in three Champions League appearances, reinforcing his reputation as one of Africa’s most lethal forwards.
