Osimhen warns Galatasaray after opening-day 2-2 draw

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen issued a stern warning to Galatasaray after his brace salvaged a 2-2 draw on the opening day of the 2026/27 season against newly promoted Çorum. Despite scoring both goals for the Turkish champions, Osimhen was visibly frustrated with the team's performance, describing the result as a "disappointment" and a necessary "wake-up call."

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It’s a disappointment. We didn’t see a small opponent. Such opponents are difficult. We knew they would force it, and so it happened. We need to wake up. We are experiencing disappointment. Let this be a wake-up call. We know that all the next matches will be difficult. We will continue on our way by taking lessons and correcting ourselves.

"We didn't see a small opponent. Such opponents are difficult. We knew they would force it, and so it happened," Osimhen stated after the match, as reported by Premium Times. "We need to wake up. We are experiencing disappointment. Let this be a wake-up call. We know that all the next matches will be difficult. We will continue on our way by taking lessons and correcting ourselves."

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It will be a tough season. We are aware of this as a team. I am ready to give my all for the club. I think this was an important game for waking up. We have a lot of things to work on as players. We need to give everything on the field.

Galatasaray surrendered their lead twice in the match. Osimhen initially put the hosts ahead in the second half, only for Çorum to score twice in quick succession. The Nigerian striker then netted a late equalizer to secure a point. While acknowledging his individual contribution, Osimhen stressed the urgent need for team improvement to compete effectively in the upcoming demanding season, which includes both domestic and European campaigns.

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Our fans give us incredible energy and they are always behind us. We also need to pay for that. We need to gain momentum before the Champions League. We need to fight very well from the next first match.

"It will be a tough season. We are aware of this as a team. I am ready to give my all for the club," he said. "I think this was an important game for waking up. We have a lot of things to work on as players. We need to give everything on the field." He also urged the team to build momentum ahead of their Champions League commitments, acknowledging the crucial support of the fans. Regarding transfer speculation, Osimhen remained focused on his current role, stating, "There are always rumours during transfer seasons. I will take care of my business. I’m focused on my work."

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There are always rumours during transfer seasons. I will take care of my business. I’m focused on my work. We will see and think about it later.