Osimhen, teammates offered ₦8bn incentive ahead of Galatasaray–Liverpool showdown

•Nigerian Galatasary striker Victor Osimhen

 

Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has promised the squad a €5 million (N8 billion) bonus if they eliminate Liverpool and reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

 

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen played a key role in Galatasaray’s 1–0 victory in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash in Istanbul, delivering a superb assist that helped stun the English side ahead of next week’s decisive return leg at Anfield, reports BusinessDay.

 

Qualification for the quarter-finals could also bring a major financial boost for the Turkish giants, with Galatasaray reportedly in line for a N105 billion (€66 million) windfall if they progress.

 

According to reports, the €5 million bonus was suggested by Osimhen in the dressing room shortly after the first-leg victory. Özbek reportedly agreed immediately, offering the incentive to motivate the players ahead of the crucial second leg.

 

The reward forms part of a broader bonus structure introduced by the club during their European campaign. The squad has already been promised €1.5 million for their victory in the Istanbul derby against Beşiktaş J.K. and €2 million for eliminating Juventus in the Champions League play-offs.

 

Osimhen has already been decisive in domestic competition. The Nigerian forward scored the winning goal as Galatasaray defeated Beşiktaş 1–0 in a heated Istanbul derby at Tüpraş Stadyumu.

 

The Turkish champions have not reached the Champions League quarter-finals since the 2012/13 season.

 

Galatasaray heads into the second leg at Anfield with a 1–0 lead from the first leg in Istanbul on March 10, with Mario Lemina credited for the decisive goal.