Turkish champions Galatasaray found themselves at the center of tactical debate and high expectations this weekend, as manager Okan Buruk made the bold decision to rest star striker Victor Osimhen for the Super Lig derby against city rivals Basaksehir. With a crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Norway’s Bodo/Glimt looming on October 22, Buruk’s move set tongues wagging across Istanbul and beyond. Was it a calculated risk or a gamble too far?
Osimhen, recently returned from international duty with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has been a revelation since joining Galatasaray. The Nigerian striker’s form has been nothing short of electric—he netted a hat-trick earlier in the week during a 4-0 home triumph over Benin, keeping Nigeria’s hopes alive for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. That performance only heightened anticipation among fans and pundits ahead of Galatasaray’s domestic derby and European adventure.
But for the high-stakes clash against Basaksehir on October 18, Buruk opted to start Mauro Icardi, leaving Osimhen on the bench. The decision was clear: keep Osimhen fresh for the midweek Champions League showdown. Still, the absence of Galatasaray’s record signing was felt on the pitch, with the team struggling to find their usual attacking rhythm despite ultimately securing a narrow 2-1 victory.
Former Fenerbahce defender Ilker Yagcioglu, speaking on TRT Spor, didn’t mince words about the impact of Osimhen’s absence. “Osimhen’s absence is a real disadvantage. It makes a huge difference in the team,” Yagcioglu asserted. He went on to suggest that Galatasaray are “nothing without Osimhen,” emphasizing, “If Osimhen had been there, either in the moments when Basaksehir was dominating possession or if he had come on earlier, the match would have been very different.”
Indeed, Buruk eventually introduced Osimhen in the 79th minute as part of a quadruple substitution, replacing Icardi. The Nigerian’s presence injected immediate energy into Galatasaray’s forward line. With just seven minutes left on the clock, Osimhen nearly turned the game on its head, unleashing a powerful shot that rattled the woodwork. The crowd’s collective gasp said it all—so close, yet just out of reach. If that shot had gone in, the story of the evening might have been entirely different.
Despite the late drama, Galatasaray held on for the win. But the match highlighted just how much the team relies on their Nigerian talisman. In just seven appearances across all competitions this season, Osimhen has already bagged three goals for the Turkish giants. His explosive pace, physicality, and eye for goal have made him a nightmare for defenders and a fan favorite at Rams Park.
The decision to rest Osimhen, while controversial, was not without its logic. The Champions League fixture against Bodo/Glimt is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Galatasaray’s European campaign. Fresh off a famous victory over Premier League champions Liverpool, the Turkish side is eager to build momentum and stake their claim in the group. Every point counts in Europe’s elite competition, and Buruk clearly wants his star striker firing on all cylinders.
Osimhen’s exploits on the international stage have only added to his growing legend. Earlier in the week, he led the line for Nigeria with trademark determination, scoring a stunning hat-trick to power the Super Eagles past Benin. That 4-0 win not only kept Nigeria’s World Cup dreams alive but also served notice to club and country alike: Osimhen is a man in form, capable of delivering when it matters most.
Back in Istanbul, the debate over his role continues. While Mauro Icardi’s experience and finishing ability are undeniable, there’s a sense that Osimhen brings a different dimension to Galatasaray’s play—a relentless drive and unpredictability that can change games in an instant. Supporters were quick to voice their opinions on social media, with many echoing Yagcioglu’s sentiment that the team looks more dangerous with Osimhen on the pitch.
Yet, for all the chatter, manager Okan Buruk has stood by his decision. The balancing act between domestic glory and European ambition is never easy, especially with a squad packed with talent and high expectations. Buruk’s calculated rotation could pay dividends if Osimhen delivers under the bright lights of the Champions League.
Off the field, Osimhen has also been making headlines for his leadership within the Nigerian national team. He recently praised defender William Troost-Ekong, calling him “an amazing leader” despite criticism from some fans. Such maturity and team spirit have endeared Osimhen to teammates and coaches alike, both in Turkey and on the international stage.
The upcoming clash with Bodo/Glimt is now firmly in focus. Galatasaray’s supporters are hoping to see Osimhen unleashed from the start, ready to add to his impressive goal tally and push the club closer to the Champions League knockout rounds. The stakes couldn’t be higher—Galatasaray’s recent win over Liverpool has raised expectations, and another strong performance could cement their status as one of Europe’s dark horses this season.
Meanwhile, the rivalry between Osimhen and Icardi continues to simmer. Both strikers bring unique qualities to the squad, and competition for places can only be a good thing for Galatasaray’s ambitions on multiple fronts. For now, though, all eyes are on Osimhen and whether he can deliver the goods when it matters most.
As the dust settles on a hard-fought derby win, the conversation in Istanbul remains centered on Victor Osimhen—his influence, his goals, and his potential to lead Galatasaray to new heights. With the Champions League beckoning, the stage is set for another chapter in the Nigerian striker’s remarkable journey.
Whether Buruk’s decision to rest his star man pays off will become clear soon enough. For now, Galatasaray fans can savor a derby win and look ahead with excitement—and perhaps a touch of nervous energy—to the challenges that await in Europe. The Osimhen story is far from over, and the best may be yet to come.
