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Former Besiktas midfielder Nihat Kahveci has defended Victor Osimhen amidst controversy surrounding Galatasaray’s winning goal in their 2-1 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in the Turkish Super Lig, Soccernet.football reports.
The thrilling derby on Sunday night saw Osimhen play a pivotal role, contributing significantly to Galatasaray’s success.
The Nigerian forward delivered a precise assist to Barış Alper Yılmaz for Galatasaray’s opener, but the game’s defining moment came when the ball struck Osimhen’s hand in the buildup to Yılmaz’s decisive strike.
While Basaksehir players called for the goal to be disallowed, Kahveci stood by the referee’s decision.
Speaking on Kontraspor’s YouTube channel, Kahveci explained as per habersarikirmizi.com: “The ball comes to Osimhen’s hand, but his hand is in a natural position. Even if Osimhen scores the goal or it hits his hand and the ball falls and Barış Alper Yılmaz shoots, it is definitely disallowed. But then that ball goes to Barış Alper, time passes, and it is a goal. The hand is not given.”
Kahveci also lauded Osimhen’s dominant presence on the pitch, admitting, “If I were a defender, I wouldn’t want to play against Osimhen and Barış Alper.”
Osimhen’s loan move from Napoli has been transformative for Galatasaray.
With 19 goal contributions in just 17 appearances across all competitions, the former African Footballer of the Year has quickly become a cornerstone of the squad.
His blend of physicality, agility, and aerial strength makes him a nightmare for defenders, and his leaping ability ensures he is a constant threat in the box.
Galatasaray’s victory solidifies their dominance at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table with 50 points from 18 matches, 11 points clear of Fenerbahce. Osimhen’s arrival has undoubtedly boosted the team’s confidence, as they remain unbeaten since his debut.
