Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Victor Osimhen marked his return from a groin injury with an assist as Galatasaray defeated Kasımpaşa 3-1 in the Turkish Süper Lig on Friday, October 9, 2026, despite playing much of the second half with 10 men.
The Nigerian striker came off the bench in the 77th minute at RAMS Park in Istanbul, helping Galatasaray secure all three points with a late contribution to Mario Lemina’s stoppage-time goal.
Galatasaray had taken the lead through Abdülkerim Bardakcı just before half-time, but Lucas Torreira’s dismissal and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s equaliser threatened to derail the home side’s efforts.
However, Barış Alper Yılmaz restored Galatasaray’s advantage in the 90th minute before Lemina added a third goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time, converting an opportunity created by Osimhen.
The victory provided an encouraging return for the Super Eagles forward after his spell on the sidelines and gave Galatasaray an important boost ahead of their forthcoming European fixture.
Osimhen Makes Immediate Impact After Injury Absence
Osimhen’s return was one of the major talking points from the encounter, with the striker introduced late in the second half as Galatasaray sought to regain control of a match that had become increasingly difficult.
The 27-year-old had been sidelined with a groin injury and was named among the substitutes for the league encounter.
His introduction in the 77th minute gave Galatasaray another attacking option as the team attempted to find a winning goal against a Kasımpaşa side that had taken advantage of the hosts’ numerical disadvantage.
Osimhen’s contribution ultimately proved decisive. After Barış Alper Yılmaz put Galatasaray ahead in the 90th minute, the Nigerian forward helped set up Lemina’s goal in stoppage time to complete the 3-1 victory.
The assist offered an encouraging indication of his attacking influence following his recovery, although his limited time on the pitch means his match fitness and readiness for a full return to the starting lineup will remain important considerations.
For Galatasaray, having their leading Nigerian forward available again could strengthen their attacking options as domestic and European commitments intensify.
Bardakcı Gives Galatasaray First-Half Advantage
Galatasaray began the encounter looking to establish control at home and create opportunities against a Kasımpaşa team determined to remain competitive.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 45th minute through defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı.
The centre-back headed the ball into the net from a free-kick delivered by Aleksey Batrakov, giving Galatasaray a 1-0 advantage shortly before the interval.
The goal rewarded the home side’s efforts during a first half in which they created several attacking opportunities.
Galatasaray entered the break with the advantage and appeared well positioned to secure a victory that would strengthen their position in the league standings.
However, the match changed significantly after the restart, forcing the hosts to respond to an unexpected setback.
Torreira’s Red Card Changes the Game
Galatasaray’s task became more complicated when midfielder Lucas Torreira was sent off in the second half.
The dismissal followed a video assistant referee review that resulted in a red card, reducing the hosts to 10 players.
Playing with a numerical disadvantage created an immediate challenge for Galatasaray, particularly as Kasımpaşa looked to take advantage of the additional space and pressure the home defence.
The visitors capitalised on the situation in the 68th minute when Jesurun Rak-Sakyi scored the equalising goal.
Rak-Sakyi’s strike brought Kasımpaşa level at 1-1 and put Galatasaray at risk of dropping points at home.
With the contest entering its final stages, Galatasaray needed a response that would demonstrate both attacking quality and the ability to manage a difficult situation with fewer players on the pitch.
The closing minutes would ultimately determine the outcome.
Barış Alper Yılmaz and Lemina Seal Dramatic Victory
Galatasaray continued to search for a breakthrough despite being reduced to 10 men, and their persistence paid off in the 90th minute.
Barış Alper Yılmaz scored to restore the home side’s lead, giving Galatasaray a crucial advantage just as the match appeared to be heading towards a draw.
The late goal shifted the pressure back onto Kasımpaşa, who had worked their way into the contest after Rak-Sakyi’s equaliser.
Galatasaray then delivered the decisive blow in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Lemina found the net after receiving the final attacking contribution from Osimhen, securing a 3-1 victory for the Istanbul club.
The sequence highlighted the importance of Galatasaray’s substitutes, with Osimhen contributing directly to the closing goal after entering the game in the second half.
Rather than settling for a draw after Torreira’s dismissal, Galatasaray found the attacking quality needed to secure all three points.
The result also underlined the team’s ability to respond under pressure, although the red card and the equaliser exposed the difficulties they faced during the second half.
What Osimhen’s Return Means for Galatasaray
Osimhen’s return provides Galatasaray with an additional attacking option at a significant stage of the season.
The Nigerian international has become an important figure in the club’s forward line, and his availability offers the coaching staff greater flexibility when managing domestic league matches and European fixtures.
His ability to contribute after coming off the bench is particularly relevant as the club balances the demands of a busy schedule.
However, one appearance does not automatically establish that he is ready to resume a regular starting role. His workload, recovery and match fitness will be important factors in determining how quickly he returns to full participation.
For Nigerian football supporters, his comeback is also an encouraging development ahead of the next phase of the season.
Osimhen remains one of the country’s most prominent footballers, and his performances at club level continue to attract attention because of their potential implications for his form and availability for international duty.
His latest contribution demonstrates that he can still influence a match even when introduced late, although his longer-term impact will depend on maintaining fitness and consistency.
Galatasaray Look Ahead to European Challenge
The victory also comes as Galatasaray prepare for their next major test in European competition.
The Istanbul club are scheduled to face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, October 13, according to the published fixture information available ahead of the match.
Osimhen’s return could therefore be particularly valuable as Galatasaray assess their attacking options for the European encounter.
His involvement against Kasımpaşa provides an opportunity to build match fitness before that fixture, although his starting status should not be assumed without confirmation from the club.
Galatasaray will also need to assess the consequences of Torreira’s dismissal and consider how best to manage the squad following a physically demanding match.
The 3-1 result offers momentum, but the Barcelona fixture will present a different challenge, requiring defensive organisation, tactical discipline and effective use of the team’s attacking resources.
A Timely Boost for Nigerian Football
Osimhen’s return is significant beyond the immediate result because of his standing in Nigerian football.
The striker has established himself as a major attacking presence in European club football, and his fitness is closely followed by supporters of both Galatasaray and the Nigeria national team.
For Nigeria, the availability of an experienced forward capable of producing goals and assists remains an important consideration as the national team prepares for its future international commitments.
Nevertheless, club and national-team expectations must be balanced against the importance of allowing players to recover properly from injuries.
Osimhen’s brief appearance and assist represent a positive development, but continued participation without a recurrence of the injury will be more meaningful indicators of a successful return.
For Galatasaray, the immediate priority will be to build on the victory while ensuring that the striker’s recovery continues in a sustainable manner.
What Happens Next?
Galatasaray will turn their attention to their upcoming European assignment against Barcelona, while Osimhen’s workload and potential role in that match will depend on the coaching staff’s assessment of his fitness.
The club will also seek to maintain its domestic league momentum following the hard-fought win over Kasımpaşa.
For Osimhen, the next stage will involve building on his return, regaining full match fitness and competing for a regular place in the starting lineup.
His assist against Kasımpaşa has provided an encouraging start to that process.
The broader significance of Friday’s result is clear: Galatasaray secured three points despite being reduced to 10 men, while the return of their Nigerian forward offered a timely boost ahead of a demanding period of the season.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Galatasaray official website — Match report: Galatasaray 3-1 Kasımpaşa.
- Anadolu Agency — Report on Galatasaray’s 3-1 victory over Kasımpaşa.
- Punch Newspapers — Report on Victor Osimhen’s return from injury and assist.
- Pulse Sports Nigeria — Coverage of Osimhen’s return and Galatasaray’s victory.
