Three Nigerian Super Eagles stars, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, are set to feature in crucial cup clashes across Europe on Wednesday. Galatasaray will face Fenerbahce in the Türkiye Cup quarter-finals, while AC Milan will take on Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals.
Osimhen, who has been in scintillating form this season, netting 26 goals and providing five assists in 31 appearances across all competitions, is expected to spearhead Galatasaray’s attack against compatriot Osayi-Samuel’s Fenerbahce.
“We give the ball to Simon. We know that he’ll do damage and we cross our fingers that he succeeds,” Nantes defender Nicolas Pallois said, highlighting the reliance on Osimhen’s brilliance.
The much-anticipated derby marks the 403rd encounter between the fierce Istanbul rivals. Galatasaray dominated the previous Türkiye Cup meetings, with 14 victories compared to Fenerbahce’s three, while 10 matches ended in draws.
On the other side of the Istanbul divide, Osayi-Samuel has been impressive for Fenerbahce, though his time with the Turkish giants appears to be nearing an end. According to Turkish outlet Takvim, the defender has rejected multiple contract extension offers, opting instead to pursue a move back to England.
Nottingham Forest have reportedly secured a pre-contract agreement with the versatile full-back, seeing him as a direct replacement for compatriot Ola Aina, whose contract also expires this summer and is tipped for a big move.
Galatasaray’s Vice President Ibrahim Hatipoglu believes his team is the favourite. “We aim to win both cups this season, and we’re confident we will come out on top in this derby,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Chukwueze will hope to feature as AC Milan face city rivals Inter Milan in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday night, setting up a special two-legged edition of the Derby della Madonnina.
The Nigerian winger, recently ranked among Serie A’s top 50 dribblers, has registered five goals and one assist across all competitions this season despite limited playing time. Chukwueze has completed 20 dribbles in the league, which placed him 40th overall in the Serie A dribbling charts at the time of ranking.
The winner of this massive derby clash will face either Bologna or Empoli in the final, with Milan aiming to secure their first Coppa triumph in almost half a century.