Football
Exclusive: Ex-Besiktas Star Backs Osimhen's Spectacular Goal for Puskás Award
Former Beşiktaş star Ike Shorunmu backs Victor Osimhen's stunning overhead kick for Galatasaray against Antalyaspor, calling it worthy of the FIFA Puskás Award nomination.
Image Credits: Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Former Nigerian international and ex-goalkeeper for Beşiktaş and Samsunspor, Ike Shorunmu, has hailed Victor Osimhen's stunning overhead kick for Galatasaray against Antalyaspor, suggesting it should be considered for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award.
This award recognizes the best goal scored worldwide in a calendar year.
Osimhen’s Remarkable Goal
Osimhen's acrobatic goal, which capped a 3-0 victory for Galatasaray, has drawn widespread acclaim.
The Napoli loanee executed a spectacular overhead kick, which was measured at a height of 2.32 meters—only the second goal in history to exceed 2.30 meters in height.
According to CNN Turk, the only higher recorded goal was Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous overhead kick for Real Madrid against Juventus in the 2017/2018 UEFA Champions League, which came from a height of 2.38 meters.
Osimhen himself hinted that the goal might be worthy of the Puskás Award, telling Galatasaray’s official website: "Of course it could be. It was an incredible goal. It’s a classy goal, why not, it could be."
If nominated, Osimhen would be the first Nigerian player to receive a Puskás Award nomination.
Shorunmu: Goal Worthy of Global Recognition
Speaking with SportsBoom.com, Ike Shorunmu expressed his support for Osimhen’s nomination, describing the goal as one of the best of the year.
"It was an incredible goal, perfectly executed, and I think it should be considered for the goal of the year award. It takes something special to get that high and still hit the target," Shorunmu said.
He also praised Osimhen's ability to evade defenders and maintain composure despite facing away from the goal. "You have to credit how he evaded the challenge from the defender, and with his back against the goal, still managed to score. It was a joy to watch. I can't get over it," he added.
While Shorunmu acknowledged the season is still in its early stages and more great goals are likely to come, he firmly believes Osimhen’s strike will be among the year’s best.
Osimhen's Stellar Start at Galatasaray
Osimhen, 25, has made an impressive start since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli.
In just four league appearances, he has contributed three goals and four assists, quickly becoming a key player for the Turkish champions.
Shorunmu also highlighted the striker’s resilience after overcoming a recent injury that sidelined him for two weeks. “He’s showing his quality despite the transfer issues with Napoli. He’s one of the best forwards in Europe, and Galatasaray is fortunate to have him. He’ll score a lot of goals,” the former goalkeeper stated.
Boosting the Popularity of Turkish Football
Shorunmu noted that Osimhen’s presence in the Turkish Super Lig has significantly boosted the league’s popularity in Nigeria, where fans are eager to follow the progress of the reigning African Player of the Year.
“He's a force to be reckoned with, and it's no surprise that Nigerians are now closely following the Turkish league,” Shorunmu explained. He also recalled that the Turkish league has long been a home for many Nigerian players, such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Uche Okechukwu.
"Osimhen is flying the flag for Nigerian football, and we are happy with him," Shorunmu concluded.
Seyi Alao is a Nigerian sports reporter, writer, and producer, known for delivering engaging sports content in both English and Pidgin. At Brila FM, I transitioned seamlessly into the role of Content Creator, demonstrating a deep understanding of media dynamics and effectively crafting captivating and informative narratives.