Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray: Derby Dominator - Osimhen has NEVER lost to bitter rivals and he's back

In the fiercest rivalry in Turkish football, Super Eagles main man Victor Osimhen has yet to experience defeat. 

The Nigerian star has made the Fenerbahce vs. Galatasaray derby his personal battleground, boasting an unbeaten record of two wins and one draw, alongside two goals and an assist in these high-stakes clashes.

Osimhen has firmly written his name as the ‘King of the Eternal Rivalry’ with his impeccable performances and consistent impact whenever these bitter rivals meet. 

His blend of pace, power, and finishing has made him the player Fenerbahce fears most when these two giants clash.

As Pulse Nigeria reported, Osimhen is back in full training ahead of this weekend’s Istanbul derby. The 26-year-old had been sidelined for 11 days after a hamstring strain sustained during international duty. 

His return to the pitch on Thursday, where he participated fully in training, signals a major boost for Galatasaray and the Super Eagles.

During Osimhen’s absence, Galatasaray fought hard with a narrow 3-2 victory over Genclerbirliği in the league but suffered a 1-0 Champions League loss to Union Saint-Gilloise. 

His recovery couldn’t be timelier, as Galatasaray currently hold a narrow one-point lead over Fenerbahçe atop the Super Lig standings.

Footage from the Galatasaray camp shows Osimhen moving freely and working closely with the ball, sparking strong expectations that he could play either from the start or as an impact substitute. 

His very presence will lift Okan Buruk’s team mentally as they face a Fenerbahçe side unbeaten in their last 11 league games and standing as the only team without a loss this season.

Osimhen’s return is also a significant morale booster for Nigeria, with preparations underway for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is preparing to announce the preliminary squad, and Osimhen’s fitness will be critical.

Before his injury, Osimhen had been in sensational form for Nigeria, scoring five goals in two matches against Gabon and Benin Republic. 

His injury during the World Cup qualifying play-off final against DR Congo was a tough setback, particularly after Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties and missed out on the 2026 World Cup slot.

Now back in training, Osimhen offers renewed hope both for Galatasaray’s title ambitions and Nigeria’s continental campaign as both prepare for decisive moments ahead.