2024: A Pivotal Year for Victor Osimhen
The year 2024 has been monumental for Victor Osimhen, who showcased his talent on the international stage during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and made an immediate impact during his loan spell at Galatasaray.
AFCON 2023: Leading Nigeria to the Final
The 2023 AFCON, hosted in Côte d'Ivoire, witnessed Osimhen's exceptional performance with the Super Eagles of Nigeria. After finishing as the top scorer in the qualifiers with 10 goals, Osimhen continued his form in the tournament:
- Scored in the 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in the opening match.
- Played a decisive role in the 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16.
- Propelled Nigeria to the final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Côte d'Ivoire.
Loan to Galatasaray: Immediate Impact in Turkey
In September 2024, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli. The agreement did not include a purchase option, with the Turkish club covering his €6 million net salary for the 2024-2025 season.
- A Hero’s Welcome: Osimhen was greeted by thousands of Galatasaray fans in Istanbul, with chants and flares lighting up the night to celebrate his arrival.
- Explosive Start: In his first five matches, Osimhen contributed to seven goals, including a stunning bicycle kick against Alanyaspor, showcasing his athleticism and flair. While the leap was remarkable, it fell short of the height achieved by Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous goal.