Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been named Footballer of the Year at the 72nd Annual Milliyet Sports Awards, one of Turkey’s most prestigious sporting honours, Saturday PUNCH reports.The award recognises Osimhen’s pivotal role in Galatasaray’s historic domestic double last season, during which the 27-year-old forward’s 37 goals goals and seven assists helped the club dominate both the Süper Lig and Turkish Cup.Held on Thursday night, the 72nd AXA Sigorta Milliyet Sports Awards, often described as the “Oscars of sports” in Turkey, celebrated Osimhen as the first Nigerian to receive the accolade
He also became only the fifth foreign player to win the award, joining former recipients Alex de Souza, Fernando Muslera, Enner Valencia and Mauro Icardi.
Since joining Galatasaray permanently from Napoli, Osimhen has transformed the club’s attack and quickly established himself as a fan favourite in Istanbul.Overall, he netted 56 goals and provided 12 assists in 70 appearance.Uğurcan Çakır, who received the award on Osimhen’s behalf due to the striker recovering from arm surgery, praised his teammate’s qualities.
