Super Eagles Connection: Boniface bows to 26-year-old Osimhen after scoring in the 26th minute for Galatasaray.
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface praised his compatriot and national teammate Victor Osimhen after his latest heroics for Galatasaray in the Turkish Cup.[/b]
Galatasaray are on the brink of Turkish Cup glory after a commanding 5-1 victory over Konyaspor in the semi-final, driven by the brilliance of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian star’s relentless performance at the Türk Telekom Stadium propelled the Lions into the final, keeping their hopes alive for a domestic double.
The match had Galatasaray’s attacking prowess on display, with Osimhen at the heart of their dominance.
The 26-year-old opened the scoring in the 26th minute, powering a header past Konyaspor’s goalkeeper Deniz Ertas.
The early goal set the tone, and Lucas Torreira doubled the lead before halftime, capitalising on the momentum created by Galatasaray’s high press.
After the break, Osimhen turned provider, setting up Roland Sallai for Galatasaray’s third goal, effectively putting one foot in the final.
Despite a brief response from Konyaspor’s Pedrinho, who pulled one back before the hour mark, Galatasaray remained unfazed.
Dries Mertens stepped up, assisting Sallai and Yusuf Demir to seal the 5-1 rout, ensuring a comfortable passage to the final.
This semi-final win follows Galatasaray’s earlier victory over rivals Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals, also powered by Osimhen, underlining their credentials as clear favourites for the cup.
The dynamic partnership between Osimhen and Mertens has been pivotal, with the duo consistently delivering match-defining moments throughout the campaign.