Osimhen impresses again with assists in Galatasaray Europa win

• Victor Osimhen assisted Galatasaray’s opening goal in a 3-1 Europa League win over PAOK
• His assist was a deflected header that led to Abdul Rahman Baba's own goal
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru starred for Lazio, scoring once and assisting in their 3-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv

Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen added another assist to his growing tally as the Turkish champions secured a 3-1 victory over PAOK in their Europa League opener. The Nigerian star, playing in his third consecutive start, was instrumental in the game’s turning points, setting a new personal record in the process.

Osimhen's influence came to the fore once again early in the second half when Ghanaian defender Abdul Rahman Baba deflected his powerful header from Dries Mertens’ corner into his net. 

Though PAOK equalised through Giannis Konstantelias, Osimhen wasn't finished. In the 75th minute, he was pivotal once more, playing a slick pass to Yunus Akgün, who coolly slotted home to restore Galatasaray’s advantage.

Osimhen has now registered assists in three consecutive competitive games for the first time in his professional career. The reigning African Footballer of the Year began his assist streak on his Galatasaray debut against Rizespor and added another in the anticipated Intercontinental Derby clash against Fenerbahce.

Despite his assist contributions, the Nigerian striker is yet to break his goal drought this season. Osimhen had two chances to find the back of the net but was denied on both occasions, first narrowly missing a header just before halftime and later seeing his shot saved by Kotarski in the 63rd minute. He was substituted for Mauro Icardi in the 78th minute.

After the match, Osimhen expressed his frustration at missing out on the goal credit. “Unfortunately, my goal was counted as an own goal again. My goal will come. The important thing is for Galatasaray to win,” he said, determined to end his drought soon.

In another Europa League fixture, Nigerian playmaker Fisayo Dele-Bashiru was also in fine form, delivering a goal and an assist in Lazio's 3-0 demolition of Dynamo Kyiv. The Ukrainian side, having played away from home due to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, was overrun by Lazio, with Dele-Bashiru at the heart of the action.

Lazio surged into an early lead with Boulaye Dia finding the net just five minutes into the game. Dele-Bashiru doubled the advantage in the 34th minute after being set up by Matias Vecino. Just minutes later, Dele-Bashiru returned the favour, providing the assist for Dia’s second goal.

It was an emphatic victory for Lazio, with all goals coming within the first 39 minutes. Dele-Bashiru’s 79-minute shift helped seal the deal for the Italian side.

Galatasaray chief reportedly makes decision over Osimhen’s January transfer clause

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles and on-loan Napoli forward Victor Osimhen's future remains a hot topic in football circles, with Galatasaray now keen to make his current loan move a long-term arrangement. With Napoli excluding Osimhen from their season squad list at the beginning of the month, a loan agreement was structured to grant the striker regular playing time, with an option to transfer in January if certain conditions are met.

However, Galatasaray's deputy chairman, İbrahim Hatipoğlu, has clarified that the club intends to keep Osimhen beyond the initial loan period.