Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has called on Galatasaray to wake up after his brace rescued the Turkish champions from an opening-day setback against newly promoted Çorum.
Osimhen struck twice as Galatasaray were held to a 2-2 draw, earning their first point of what promises to be a demanding 2026/27 season.
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Despite finding the net twice, the Nigerian striker was far from satisfied with the result and described the outcome as a disappointment, urging his teammates to learn from the early warning.
“It’s a disappointment. We didn’t see a small opponent. Such opponents are difficult. We knew they would force it, and so it happened,” Osimhen said after the game.
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“We need to wake up. We are experiencing disappointment. Let this be a wake-up call. We know that all the next matches will be difficult. We will continue on our way by taking lessons and correcting ourselves.”
The draw came after Galatasaray surrendered their lead in dramatic fashion.
Osimhen had put the hosts ahead in the second half, but Çorum responded with two quick goals to turn the game on its head before the Nigerian striker rescued a point late in the contest.
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While his individual performance provided a positive, Osimhen stressed that Galatasaray must improve collectively if they are to compete on all fronts this season.
“It will be a tough season. We are aware of this as a team. I am ready to give my all for the club,” he said.
“I think this was an important game for waking up. We have a lot of things to work on as players. We need to give everything on the field.”
Galatasaray will also have to balance their domestic ambitions with their European commitments, and Osimhen believes the team must quickly build momentum ahead of their Champions League campaign.
The striker praised the club’s supporters for the energy they continue to provide while insisting that the players must repay that faith with stronger performances.
“Our fans give us incredible energy and they are always behind us. We also need to pay for this,” Osimhen said.
“We need to gain momentum before the Champions League. We need to fight very well from the next first match.”
READ ALSO: Aliyu Zubair takes charge at Al Ahly Wad Madani ahead of CAF Confederation Cup
Osimhen brushes aside transfer speculation
The Nigeria international was also asked about the persistent transfer rumours surrounding his future.
Osimhen, however, refused to allow speculation to distract him from his responsibilities at Galatasaray.
“There are always rumours during transfer seasons. I will take care of my business. I’m focused on my work,” he said.
“We will see and think about it later.”
For now, Osimhen’s attention remains firmly on Galatasaray as the champions look to recover from an unexpected opening-day draw and build the momentum required for another demanding season.
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