Foes now friends: Osimhen links up with Benin's Olaitan after Galatasaray v Goztepe

Rivalries were set aside in Turkiye on Sunday as Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen and Benin midfielder Junior Olaitan reunited after Galatasaray's clash with Goztepe in the Turkish Super Lig, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The pair, who faced each other in the 2026 World Cup qualifier earlier this month, shared a warm moment after the final whistle, posing for a photograph and exchanging jerseys in a show of mutual respect.

Just two weeks earlier, Osimhen had been the chief tormentor of Benin at the Godswill Akpabio in Uyo, scoring a hat-trick to hand the Super Eagles a comprehensive victory over the Cheetahs.

Olaitan's appearance in that match had been something of a surprise, following confirmed reports that Goztepe had barred him from travelling to Africa due to injury concerns.

Their paths crossed again on Sunday, with Osimhen continuing his fine form by finding the net in the first half.

Olaitan was introduced as a second half substitute in the 61st minute, reigniting their on-field rivalry, albeit in a more familiar club setting.

Born in Porto-Novo to a Beninese mother and Nigerian father, Olaitan grew up in Nigeria and was once eligible to play for the Super Eagles.

However, he chose to represent Benin at international level, pledging his future to the Cheetahs.

Despite his decision, Olaitan has maintained close ties with several Nigeria internationals.

Among the 992 accounts he follows on Instagram are Super Eagles stars Odion Ighalo, Kenneth Omeruo, Ola Aina, Samuel Chukwueze, Raphael Onyedika, Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi, William Troost-Ekong, Olakunle Olusegun, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Stanley Nwabali, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and of course Victor Osimhen.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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