Osimhen warns Galatasaray after 2-2 draw on opening day

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has warned Galatasaray to improve after his brace rescued the Turkish champions from an opening-day defeat against newly promoted Çorum.

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Osimhen scored twice as Galatasaray were held to a 2-2 draw, earning their first point of the 2026/27 season.

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Despite his two goals, the Nigerian striker was unhappy with the result and urged his teammates to learn from the disappointing outcome.

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As reported by Premium Times on Saturday, Osimhen was quoted as saying, “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 match.

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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.”

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The draw came after Galatasaray surrendered their lead in dramatic fashion.

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Osimhen had put the hosts ahead in the second half before Çorum scored twice in quick succession to turn the game around. The Nigerian striker later found the net again to rescue a point for the champions.

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While pleased with his individual contribution, Osimhen stressed that Galatasaray must improve as a team if they are to compete on all fronts this season.

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“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.

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“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.”

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Galatasaray will also have to balance their domestic ambitions with their European commitments, with Osimhen calling for the team to build momentum ahead of their Champions League campaign.

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The striker also praised the club’s supporters for their continued backing.

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“Our fans give us incredible energy and they are always behind us. We also need to pay for that,” Osimhen said.

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“We need to gain momentum before the Champions League. We need to fight very well from the next first match.”

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Osimhen was also asked about the transfer speculation surrounding his future but refused to allow the rumours to distract him.

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“There are always rumours during transfer seasons. I will take care of my business. I’m focused on my work,” he said.

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“We will see and think about it later.”

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For now, Osimhen remains focused on helping Galatasaray recover from their disappointing opening-day draw and build momentum for the demanding season ahead.

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