'Could have six tonight' - Former England manager admits Osimhen made life difficult for Tottenham

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has praised Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, saying the Galatasaray striker made life exceptionally difficult for Tottenham Hotspur's defense during their UEFA Europa League clash.

Osimhen, who has been in sensational form, was a constant threat to Tottenham's backline throughout the game, with Hoddle noting that the forward could have easily netted multiple goals.

The Super Eagles forward scored a first-half brace, helping Galatasaray claim a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the RAMS Park on Thursday night.

The match kicked off with an early goal from Galatasaray's Yunus Akgün, whose stunning volley found the top corner after Gabriel Sara's free-kick was cleared.

Tottenham quickly responded, with Will Lankshear tapping in a low cross from Brennan Johnson to level the score.

However, it was Osimhen's clinical double in the first half that set the tone for the match. 

In the 30th minute, Tottenham center-back Radu Drăgușin lost possession under pressure, allowing Dries Mertens to set up Osimhen, who finished coolly into the bottom corner.

Just eight minutes later, the Nigerian striker struck again, converting another Mertens cross with a precise poke into the bottom corner.

Tottenham did manage to reduce the deficit in the second half, with Dominic Solanke displaying brilliant skill to turn a Pedro Porro pass into the net. 

However, Galatasaray held on for the victory, much thanks to Osimhen's decisive contributions.

Reflecting on the match, Hoddle praised Victor Osimhen's performance, despite Dejan Kulusevski's efforts. He urged Tottenham to adopt a more exciting and straightforward style of play.

“This is incredible. Victor Osimhen could have six tonight. Dejan Kulusevski just does a job and makes it awkward for him, "  Glenn Hoddle said on TNT Sports. 

"Spurs have got to liven up and play simple."

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli after a tumultuous summer transfer window, has made an immediate impact in Turkey. 

The Nigerian forward has scored six goals and provided four assists in just eight appearances across all competitions.

As Nigeria prepares for its 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda this November, interim manager Austin Eguavoen will be hoping that Osimhen can carry his blistering club form into international duty.

After missing the previous round of qualifiers, Osimhen has been called up for the upcoming fixtures and will look to continue his impressive streak.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: galatasaray.org

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