Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning hat-trick for Galatasaray in their 4-0 victory over Antalyaspor on Friday night, sending a strong message to Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying opponents, Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Osimhen’s dominant performance not only propelled Galatasaray 10 points clear of Fenerbahce who have played two games fewer but also placed him at the top of the Turkish Super Lig’s goal-scoring chart with 20 goals, surpassing Krzysztof Piatek (18).
The 26-year-old opened the scoring in the matchday 27 encounter by latching onto Alvaro Morata’s pinpoint cross at the far post, smashing the ball home for a 1-0 lead.
Before halftime, Osimhen turned provider, winning a penalty that Morata calmly converted for Galatasaray’s second goal. Just before the break, he doubled his tally, finishing a well-placed cross from Barış Alper Yılmaz to make it 3-0.
He completed his hat-trick in style after the restart, sprinting onto an exquisite through ball from Yunus Akgün before drilling a low shot past the goalkeeper, sealing the 4-0 victory.
Osimhen’s red-hot form is a major boost for Nigeria ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Super Eagles face Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali and Zimbabwe on March 25 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Despite missing earlier qualifiers due to injury, the on-loan Galatasaray forward is expected to lead the attack in new head coach Eric Chelle’s first competitive games in charge.
“You have to give everything; it’s every youngster’s dream to play at the World Cup. Mine is no exception,” Osimhen said ahead of the qualifiers. “So, I want to be there, just like every one of my teammates. We are really looking forward to the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to correct our past mistakes. We will be ready.”
With Osimhen in top form, Nigeria will be hoping to revive their World Cup qualification campaign with strong performances in the upcoming fixtures.
