Victor Osimhen has backed his goal for Galatasaray in the 3-0 win over Antalyaspor in the Süper Lig fixture played at the weekend for the FIFA Puskás Award.
The Puskás Award is given to a player adjudged to have scored the most beautiful goal in a calendar year and is named after late Real Madrid striker and legend Ferenc Puskás, regarded as one of the most prolific forwards ever in the round leather game.
Galatasaray defeated Antalyaspor 3-0 on Saturday night, with Osimhen scoring a spectacular bicycle kick goal.
Osimhen’s injury kept him out of action for a little while, and this week he started training again after missing out of the Super Eagles game against Libya.
However, manager Okan Buruk listed the Nigerian international as one of the replacements.
In the first half, Mauro Icardi scored twice for Galatasaray.
The Argentine was substituted in the 78th minute by Osimhen.
The third goal of the game for the visitors was subsequently scored in stoppage time by the 25-year-old.
In his four league games this season for the Yellow and Reds, the strong striker has already netted three goals.
Speaking at the post-match, Osimhem was quoted as saying by Galatasaray official website: “The goal was an incredible one. We got 3 points from here, I am very happy for that. I dedicate this goal to our coach, today is his birthday.
“When we look at the first half, we were not that good, we took the lead thanks to the goals scored by Mauro and we were able to play much better in the second half.
“We had a 4-day holiday and as a result we rested well, now we will continue in the same way.
“The first goal was normal, but it was not normal for the second goal not to count. These things are part of football. What is important here is for us to get three points as a team and to progress well.”
Asked whether his goal deserved a Puskás nomination, the reigning African Men’s Player of the Year didn’t hide his feelings.
“Of course it could be. It was an incredible goal. It’s a classy goal, why not, it could be,” he stated.
The Napoli loanee was a Ballon d’Or nominee last year and could become the first Nigerian to be nominated for the Puskás Award.
