Victor Osimhen returned to the scoresheet in emphatic fashion, netting a brace in Galatasaray's 3–2 win over Samsunspor on Friday evening.

Samsunspor have become Osimhen's favourite opponent in the Turkish Super Lig, having netted five goals against them in just three appearances, including four scored at Rams Park.  

The Nigerian international doubled the Yellow-Reds’ lead in the first half after Leroy Sané opened the scoring, smashing home in the 29th minute with a low finish past Okan Kocuk after latching onto a through pass from the German winger.

Samsunspor clawed their way back into the contest with second-half goals from Anthony Musaba and Emre Kılınç, but Osimhen restored Galatasaray’s advantage deep into stoppage time. 

The 26-year-old sealed the win with a stunning bicycle kick three minutes into added time, completing his brace and securing all three points for the hosts.

The first half striker was Osimhen's first since returning from the hamstring injury he picked up during the November international break.

The Nigerian forward, who completed a permanent move to Galatasaray in the summer, had made his comeback in the intense Istanbul Derby at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium but struggled to make an impact and failed to get on the scoresheet.

However, after a difficult return, Osimhen has now boosted his league tally to five goals in ten appearances, a timely resurgence that will delight manager Okan Buruk. 

The coach will be counting on the in-form striker to inspire the Yellow-Reds in their upcoming UEFA Champions League clash against Monaco.

With Friday’s win, Galatasaray strengthened its grip at the top of the Super Lig table with 36 points from 15 matches, maintaining a four-point lead over rivals Fenerbahçe.

Adeyemi Adewale