Osimhen, Lemina, Singo... Africans behind the coronation of Galatasaray
Thanks to a 4-2 win over Antalyaspor on Saturday, Galatasaray is crowned Turkish champion for the 26th time in his history. To win this new trophy in the Super Lig, the club from Istanbul was able to count on a number of managers including African players: Victor Osimhen, Wilfried Singo, Mario Lemina and Ismail Jakobs.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Galatasaray clearly shows its supremacy over Turkish football and for the 4th consecutive year, the club won the Super Lig. For the 2025-2026 season, the Istanbul team won this new trophy with one day left of the championship. Osimhen, Singo and Lemina played major roles for this 26th title.
Victor Osimhen was a providential striker.
For the second consecutive season, Victor Osimhen won the Super Lig. The Nigerian international striker, like last season, carried his team offensively. He is the star of the team and the offensive weapon number one. Although hampered by numerous physical difficulties, the 27-year-old player has scored 15 goals and delivered 5 assists in 22 games across all competitions. He scored a double against Samsunspor on the 15th day and Antalyaspor on the 33rd day.
In all competitions, Osimhen made 33 appearances for 22 goals and 8 assists. The native of Lagos is linked to Galatasaray until June 2029.
Wilfried Singo, the defensive rock
Last summer, Wilfried Singo left AS Monaco for Galatasaray. A choice considered very surprising by many observers. At the time of the balance sheet, the Ivorian international law made a wise choice. He made it to the last 16 of the Champions League and won the Super Lig.
Wilfried Singo, was present during the various appearances. Despite his long absence due to an injury at the end of 2025, he managed to come back well. With one day to go before the end of the Super Lig, the 25-year-old played 18 league games for 2 goals and 2 assists. In the Super Lig, the Ivorian is the author of 2.6 recovered balls, 0.9 tackles, 65% duels won, 62% aerial duels won, 88% passes made per match.
In all competitions, the native of Grand-Bereby has scored 2 goals and delivered 3 assists in 28 games. L'Eléphant is under contract with Galatasaray until June 2030.
Mario Lemina, one of the players in between
One of the strongmen in the midfield at Galatasaray, Mario Lemina, has logically been extended until June 2027. Back at the club in February 2025, the Gabonese international has once again had a great season in between. Both defensively and offensively, the 32-year-old was impressive. The Panthère shone with 1.1 interception, 1.2 tackle, 2.3 recoveries, 57% successful dribbles, 55% duels won, 61% aerial duels won, 52% duels won on the ground, 92% successful passes, 85% successful passes in the opposing half of the field, 65% long passes succeeded per match.
Mario Lemina played 27 matches in the Super Lig with 2 goals and one assist. In 41 games in all competitions, the Gabonese has scored 3 goals and 2 assists.
Ismail Jakobs, a pillar on the left
Ismail Jakobs joined Galatasaray in September 2024 from AS Monaco. The Senegalese international left-back wins his second Super Lig. This season, the player played 24 games and started 15 in the league for an assist. He is the author of 1.1 tackle, 2.4 balls recovered, 59% successful dribbles, 60% duels won including 62% on the ground and 56% in the air, 83% passes made per match.
Having scored a goal in 38 matches in all competitions, Ismail Jakobs is linked to Galatasaray until June 2027.