Sports
UCL: I’m ready to lead Galatasaray to victory, says Osimhen
Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen says he is ready to take Galatasaray to new heights in the UEFA Champions League, insisting, “It’s time to make a statement in the most prestigious games.”
After starring for Lille and Napoli, the 26-year-old forward returns to Europe’s elite competition wearing Galatasaray’s yellow-and-red, where he has quickly become a fan favourite. He made his move permanent this summer following a standout season-long loan in 2024/25.
The Super Eagles forward, in an interview with UEFA cited by PUNCH Online on Tuesday, said, “I spoke with the president when I arrived here, and we agreed that we want to make a statement in the Champions League.
Osimhen: “We’ve dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show that we can compete among the best in Europe.”
The Nigerian’s ambition reflects his relentless spirit, a hallmark of his rise from humble beginnings in Olusosun, Lagos, to the top of world football.
“I came from a very poor background. Olusosun shaped me. It taught me resilience,” Osimhen recalled. “Whenever I go home, I visit to show gratitude and remind young kids that if I could make it out of there, they can too.”
His story has inspired millions across Africa, blending raw talent with determination. That same drive, he says, fuels his commitment to Galatasaray.
“When I arrived in Istanbul, I had never seen anything like that before — thousands of fans at the airport at 3 am,” he said. “It gives you that fire to give everything for the badge. I absolutely love this club and I’m ready to go through everything with them-the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Osimhen’s journey continues to mirror that of his idol, Didier Drogba, who also made his mark at Galatasaray before bowing out as a Champions League great.
“In football, my hero was Drogba. I watched him and learned from how he played and lived. I tried to add his qualities to my own game,” he said. “In life, my biggest inspiration was my brother; he taught me how to hustle and never give up.”
Now, with Galatasaray chasing European recognition, Osimhen believes the team’s resurgence can restore Turkish football’s pride on the continental stage.
“We are the biggest club in Turkey, and one of the biggest in the world. “Now, we want to prove it in the Champions League,” he added.
After starring for Lille and Napoli, the 26-year-old forward returns to Europe’s elite competition wearing Galatasaray’s yellow-and-red, where he has quickly become a fan favourite. He made his move permanent this summer following a standout season-long loan in 2024/25.
The Super Eagles forward, in an interview with UEFA cited by PUNCH Online on Tuesday, said, “I spoke with the president when I arrived here, and we agreed that we want to make a statement in the Champions League.
Osimhen: “We’ve dominated the Turkish league for years, but now we want to show that we can compete among the best in Europe.”
The Nigerian’s ambition reflects his relentless spirit, a hallmark of his rise from humble beginnings in Olusosun, Lagos, to the top of world football.
“I came from a very poor background. Olusosun shaped me. It taught me resilience,” Osimhen recalled. “Whenever I go home, I visit to show gratitude and remind young kids that if I could make it out of there, they can too.”
His story has inspired millions across Africa, blending raw talent with determination. That same drive, he says, fuels his commitment to Galatasaray.
“When I arrived in Istanbul, I had never seen anything like that before — thousands of fans at the airport at 3 am,” he said. “It gives you that fire to give everything for the badge. I absolutely love this club and I’m ready to go through everything with them-the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Osimhen’s journey continues to mirror that of his idol, Didier Drogba, who also made his mark at Galatasaray before bowing out as a Champions League great.
“In football, my hero was Drogba. I watched him and learned from how he played and lived. I tried to add his qualities to my own game,” he said. “In life, my biggest inspiration was my brother; he taught me how to hustle and never give up.”
Now, with Galatasaray chasing European recognition, Osimhen believes the team’s resurgence can restore Turkish football’s pride on the continental stage.
“We are the biggest club in Turkey, and one of the biggest in the world. “Now, we want to prove it in the Champions League,” he added.
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Former Barcelona and Real Mallorca fullback Lluis Carreras says the Blaugrana should drop plans of signing Marcus Rashford permanently.
Rashford is on a season-long loan at Barca from Manchester United, with the deal carrying a €30m permanent option.
The England attacker has impressed and after victory at Celta Vigo, he said last night: “I’m doing very well, I’m happy here at Barça. We have to stick to the plan as (coach Hansi) Flick has asked.
“I feel great. My first assist today was probably my best assist here.”
However, Carreras believes Rashford’s fee can be spent better elsewhere, particularly given Barca’s current financial situation.
He said on Carrusel, “If you want to go for a top striker who’s going to cost you what he’s going to cost, maybe Rashford isn’t an option, or you can’t do both deals.
“He shouldn’t be Barça’s number one priority signing, because we’re talking about 30 million euros, which is a lot of money given the current situation.”
Rashford is on a season-long loan at Barca from Manchester United, with the deal carrying a €30m permanent option.
The England attacker has impressed and after victory at Celta Vigo, he said last night: “I’m doing very well, I’m happy here at Barça. We have to stick to the plan as (coach Hansi) Flick has asked.
“I feel great. My first assist today was probably my best assist here.”
However, Carreras believes Rashford’s fee can be spent better elsewhere, particularly given Barca’s current financial situation.
He said on Carrusel, “If you want to go for a top striker who’s going to cost you what he’s going to cost, maybe Rashford isn’t an option, or you can’t do both deals.
“He shouldn’t be Barça’s number one priority signing, because we’re talking about 30 million euros, which is a lot of money given the current situation.”
Former Chelsea star Ruud Gullit has told Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee to leave the club as he continues to struggle.
United manager Ruben Amorim is still working out his best front three after a busy summer which included the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
However, one forward who has been forgotten about is Zirkzee who joined the side in the summer of 2024. The Dutchman has featured for just 82 Premier League minutes this season and was overlooked at the weekend as Amorim made all five substitutions before he could come on.
Now, speaking to Video Gamer, Gullit has sent advice to the young striker who he believes could find success away from United much like Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay at Napoli.
“Everybody that leaves Man United ends up playing well. The problem there maybe is actually United. I should advise Zirkzee to go somewhere else and play more.
“Go back to Italy if you can on loan or whatever. Just play football. He’s a good player. But at the moment, it’s difficult at Man United. They found a little form in the past couple of weeks and I hope for Man United that they continue that.
“Because a good Man United is good for the Premier League as well.” LaLiga
United manager Ruben Amorim is still working out his best front three after a busy summer which included the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
However, one forward who has been forgotten about is Zirkzee who joined the side in the summer of 2024. The Dutchman has featured for just 82 Premier League minutes this season and was overlooked at the weekend as Amorim made all five substitutions before he could come on.
Now, speaking to Video Gamer, Gullit has sent advice to the young striker who he believes could find success away from United much like Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay at Napoli.
“Everybody that leaves Man United ends up playing well. The problem there maybe is actually United. I should advise Zirkzee to go somewhere else and play more.
“Go back to Italy if you can on loan or whatever. Just play football. He’s a good player. But at the moment, it’s difficult at Man United. They found a little form in the past couple of weeks and I hope for Man United that they continue that.
“Because a good Man United is good for the Premier League as well.” LaLiga
Former Tottenham forward Fraizer Campbell has backed Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane to follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Kane headed in a stoppage-time leveller to prevent a first defeat of the season for Bayern Munich in their 2-2 draw at Union Berlin at the weekend, taking his tally to 26 goals and 4 assists in 22 appearances.
The England captain has shown no signs of letting up since making the move from Tottenham, despite turning 32 back in July. Speaking to GOAL via Stake, Campbell was asked if Kane could keep going until their late 30’s much like Messi and Ronaldo.
“I think so. As long as your body allows you, it’s not picking up too many injuries. He never had blistering pace so he is more of a technical finisher. I think he could play for a good while longer.
“And he still knows where the net is, he’s still scoring, it’s not like he is slowing down. He could continue going on for a long time.”
Kane headed in a stoppage-time leveller to prevent a first defeat of the season for Bayern Munich in their 2-2 draw at Union Berlin at the weekend, taking his tally to 26 goals and 4 assists in 22 appearances.
The England captain has shown no signs of letting up since making the move from Tottenham, despite turning 32 back in July. Speaking to GOAL via Stake, Campbell was asked if Kane could keep going until their late 30’s much like Messi and Ronaldo.
“I think so. As long as your body allows you, it’s not picking up too many injuries. He never had blistering pace so he is more of a technical finisher. I think he could play for a good while longer.
“And he still knows where the net is, he’s still scoring, it’s not like he is slowing down. He could continue going on for a long time.”
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