Victor Osimhen is backing his remarkable overhead kick in Galatasaray’s 3-0 win over Antalyaspor to be a contender for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award. The Puskás Award is presented to the player judged to have scored the most beautiful goal of the year, named after legendary Real Madrid striker Ferenc Puskás.
Despite coming off the bench due to a prior injury, Osimhen’s overhead strike sealed the win for Galatasaray. It boosted his standing as the player with the highest goal contributions per minute in the Turkish Süper Lig this season. After the match, Osimhen expressed his delight, dedicating the goal to his coach, whose birthday coincided with the victory.
When asked whether his goal could earn a Puskás Award nomination, Osimhen confidently responded, Of course, it could be. It was an incredible goal, a classy one, and it deserves consideration.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, is also a reigning African Men’s Player of the Year and could potentially be the first Nigerian to receive a Puskás nomination. The forward was previously a Ballon d’Or nominee and continues to make his mark on the global stage.
Editorial
Victor Osimhen’s stunning overhead kick reminds us of his exceptional talent and ability to deliver in crucial moments. His confidence in nominating the goal for the FIFA Puskás Award reflects not only his self belief but also the quality of his performance on the pitch. For Nigerian football, having a player like Osimhen represent the nation at the highest level of world football is a source of immense pride.
We believe that Osimhen’s nomination for the Puskás Award would be well deserved. The audacity and technical skill required to execute such a goal underlines his status as one of the top forwards in world football. It’s these moments of brilliance that separate good players from great ones, and Osimhen continues to prove that he belongs among the elite.
The Nigerian Football Federation should be proud of Osimhen’s achievements and support his journey, as players like him not only bring international recognition to Nigerian football but also inspire future generations. This goal, regardless of whether it wins the Puskás Award, serves as a shining example of what Nigerian athletes can achieve on the world stage.
Did You Know?
- Victor Osimhen has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, becoming one of the few Nigerian players to receive the honour.
- The FIFA Puskás Award was established in 2009 and named after Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskás.
- Osimhen’s overhead kick marked his fifth goal contribution in just over 200 minutes in the Turkish Süper Lig this season.
- The Puskás Award has never been won by a Nigerian player, despite several notable nominations from African players.
- Galatasaray is one of the most successful football clubs in Turkey, with a rich history of winning domestic and international titles.
