European golden boot winner says Victor Osimhen’s brilliance key to Galatasaray’s title charge

Former Fenerbahce forward Tanju Çolak has hailed Victor Osimhen’s immense contribution to Galatasaray’s title charge, insisting the Turkish giants would be languishing in fifth place without the Nigerian striker’s influence this season, Footynaija.com reports.

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli last summer, has been the driving force behind the club’s push for the Süper Lig crown.

The 26-year-old has delivered a stellar campaign, scoring 22 goals and providing five assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.

His consistent match-winning displays have propelled Galatasaray to the top of the Turkish top flight with 65 points, four clear of fierce rivals Fenerbahçe, with the season approaching its climax.

Galatasaray have been poor in recent weeks drawing four straight games and winning only one of their past six in all competitions.

The Lions have crashed out of the Europa League and have seen their healthy lead at the top of the Super Lig cut down to four by Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.

Would have loved to of had Victor Osimhen at Chelsea this season, even if it was a season long loan. pic.twitter.com/nVR6LZkPqf

— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) March 5, 2025

Still, Osimhen has remained a standout performer, finding the net five times in his last four appearances.

Speaking to Ekol TV, as quoted by habersarikirmizi, Çolak lauded Osimhen’s relentless work ethic, insisting Galatasaray would be worse off if not for his winning mentality.

“Osimhen, he plays to the death! There is a player like Osimhen who runs, fights, wants, can get his head into every ball, and throws himself into the middle,” said Çolak, who won the European Golden Boot award in 1988 with Galatasaray.

“None of them wants to win as much as Osimhen. Osimhen is a character who does not want to lose with his ambition, determination, and desire. If it were not for Osimhen, Galatasaray could even be fifth.”

Osimhen won the first league title of his career with Napoli in 2023 and he could claim his second in Turkey should Galatasaray fend off Fenerbahce’s challenge and reclaim their crown.