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Victor Osimhen who went to Galatasaray on a one year loan is set to make his debut appearance for Galatasaray as they host Rizespor this Saturday in the Turkish Super Lig week 5 fixture at RAMS Park, İstanbul.
Osimhen arrived in Istanbul in a fanfare, with thousands of excited Galatasaray fans converging at 4 am to welcome their new signee.
Osimhen trained with his new teammates on Thursday, September 12 for the first time since swapping Naples for Istanbul upon returning from his international duty with the Super Eagles.
He has reunited with former Napoli colleague Dries Mertens, who now also plies his trade in Turkey with Galatasaray.
Osimhen will be keen to hit the ground running at his new club.
With Galatasaray’s regular striker Mauro Icardi sidelined with injury, the Super Eagles goal-poacher is likely to lead the attack against the visiting team, Rizespor.
The match will feature Nigerian players playing against themselves as Osimhen’s Galatasaray takes on Rizespor, who have compatriots Ibrahim Olawoyin, Okechukwu Azubuike, and Babajide David in their ranks.
Galatasaray, which currently sit second in the Super Lig with nine points from three games, will be looking to maintain their winning streak. The hosts have won all three league matches this season, including an impressive 5-1 victory against Adana Demirspor in week 2.
In contrast, Rizespor, placed 12th with four points from four matches, will be hoping to bounce back from two consecutive defeats, having struggled in recent weeks, suffering a heavy 5-0 loss to Fenerbahce followed by a 1-0 defeat against Kasimpasa.
Head-to-head statistics favour Galatasaray, who have won 11 of their previous encounters with Rizespor with eight draws between both sides.
All eyes will be on the RAMS Park to see if the African Player of the Year can inspire Galatasaray to another victory, as Osimhen prepares to make his mark in Turkish football.
