Rizespor comeback gives us morale – Osimhen

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen says Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory over Rizespor will boost the team’s morale ahead of their crucial Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, NewsNGR Sports Extra reports.

The Nigeria international, who missed Galatasaray’s 4-1 first-leg playoff defeat to AZ Alkmaar due to suspension, netted a brace against Rizespor on Monday to help his side open a six-point lead over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce at the Turkish Super Lig summit.

“I think it was a very important and very difficult match,” Osimhen told Galatasaray’s website.

“We won, we think we won in a way we deserved. I want to congratulate the whole team. I also want to thank our fans. This victory and their support gave us a lot of morale.”

Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, heading home Przemyslaw Frankowski’s cross, before securing victory with another header in the 86th minute.

The 25-year-old also spoke about a lighthearted moment when Galatasaray captain Fernando Muslera wore his trademark face mask after the final whistle.

“I had given my mask to celebrate with the fans at that time,” Osimhen said.

“I came back and saw that he had already put it on. He is a great person beyond being a captain. He is a very important person for us. He had a very important role in this victory.”

The striker has been in scintillating form since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli last summer, scoring 14 goals and providing four assists in 18 league appearances, while also registering five goals and one assist in the Europa League.

Galatasaray face AZ Alkmaar in their Europa League playoff second leg on Thursday, looking to overturn a 4-1 deficit.

“The return match in Istanbul will be very different. With the support of our fans, we will show them the true power of Galatasaray,” Osimhen told Fotomac.

“I will score my goals. Leave AZ Alkmaar to me. We will be the side that advances. I am sure of that. Everyone should keep their morale high.”