No Osimhen, no problem: Ex-Real Madrid man steals show as Gala move on without Super Eagles star

Turkish champions Galatasaray continued their dominant run in the Super Lig despite resting star striker Victor Osimhen in their penultimate match against Goztepe. 

The Lions secured a 2-0 victory, with former Real Madrid forward Álvaro Morata and defender Kaan Ayhan stealing the spotlight on Saturday evening.

The absence of Osimhen, who was surprisingly left out of the travelling squad by manager Okan Buruk, sparked controversy and concern among fans ahead of the match. 

As reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, most of the Gala supporters were disappointed and angry that their coach denied them the chance to watch their iconic Nigerian striker again.

However, Galatasaray showed they could still thrive without their talisman, who is the league’s top scorer with 25 goals in 29 appearances.

The breakthrough came when Kaan Ayhan unleashed a stunning free kick reminiscent of Declan Rice’s trademark strikes, breaking down Goztepe’s resilient defence and putting the visitors ahead. 

Former Real and Juventus striker Morata then sealed the victory with a late goal, ensuring all three points for Galatasaray.

This win extended Galatasaray’s unbeaten run to 10 matches, including 10 consecutive victories, showing their dominance as they approach the end of the season. 

Despite Osimhen’s absence, the team’s depth and quality shone through as the champions refuse to take their feet off the gas even after sealing their five stars.

Meanwhile, in a related development, two years after Osimhen broke the 33-year Scudetto drought, Napoli have been crowned champions of Italy once again.

Napoli defeated Cagliari 2-0 at home in Naples to seal their fourth-ever Serie A title in dramatic style.

The new champions achieved the feat without iconic striker, Osimhen, 26, who was exiled and loaned out last summer as new boss Antonio Conte mouled the team to his taste after a poor campaign that saw them finish 10th.