Victor Osimhen has heaped praise on Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara and head coach Okan Buruk after both played key roles in Galatasaray’s 3–1 victory over Göztepe on Sunday.
Osimhen, Sara and Mauro Icardi all found the net as Galatasaray maintained their unbeaten start to the Turkish Super Lig season.
The win, secured at the RAMS Park, extended the defending champions’ lead at the top of the table to five points over Trabzonspor.
Göztepe took a shock early lead in the sixth minute through Efkan Bekiroğlu, but Osimhen quickly levelled with his third league goal of the season, capitalising on a defensive error in the 19th minute.
Galatasaray dominated from then on, with Sara restoring their advantage before Icardi sealed the result in the closing stages.
‘He deserves it’: Victor Osimhen to take Sara out for dinner
Osimhen was full of admiration for Sara, who netted his first goal of the campaign and continued his fine form from last season, when he helped Galatasaray clinch the league and cup double.
Speaking after the match, Osimhen said as per Le Marca Spors:
“Gabby is a really great, wonderful person. One of those who makes the locker room interesting. He holds a very special place for me. I’m proud of him. I was very happy with his goal.
“Actually, I was expecting him to score from a free kick as well because he scored a lot in training yesterday. But because of this goal, I’m going to take him out to dinner. He deserves it. He’ll be even more confident, much happier, and will work even harder.”
Sara, signed from Norwich City last year, has quickly become a fan favourite in Istanbul with his energy, creativity, and work ethic.
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Osimhen equals Buruk’s goal tally, hails his coach
Osimhen’s strike was his 43rd league goal for Galatasaray, equalling the tally achieved by Okan Buruk during his playing career with the club.
But beyond statistics, the Nigerian forward reserved special praise for the coach, crediting him for building a winning culture at the club.
“Besides being a great coach, Coach Okan is a great person,” Osimhen said.
“One of the best people I’ve ever met. I’m very happy about his successes. As players, we’re ready to give everything for him. I think he’s the best coach in Turkey.”
Osimhen’s latest performance continues his rich vein of form, coming just days after his brace in the 3–1 Champions League win over Bodø/Glimt.
With his confidence high and the squad clicking, Galatasaray look set for another strong domestic and continental campaign.
