Victor Osimhen inspired Galatasaray to a derby-day delight victory as the reigning champions edged their fiercest rival in the Istanbul Derby on Monday night.

The Rams Park was electrifying as expected as the hosts welcomed their guests to the intimidating atmosphere for the first installment of the intercontinental derby, given the location of the two heavyweights of Turkish football.

Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe have had a seemingly decent start to the season and came into the derby for maximum points and bragging rights.

Baris Yilmaz forced a save from Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson in the first chance of the match. However, the former Manchester City goalkeeper had no answer to Osimhen’s opener before the half-hour mark.

Osimhen received a pass in the box from Yilmaz and rifled a left-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Galatasaray the lead in the 29th minute.

The Super Eagles striker came close to scoring the second 10 minutes later, but Ederson was alert to deny his goal-bound volley.

Osimhen doubled the lead just before the break with a header to put the reigning champions in firm control of the derby heading into halftime.

Galatasaray started the second half with intention to increase their lead and Ismail Jakobs came close in the 55th minute but his header came off the near post.

Fenerbache reduced the deficit two minutes after the hour mark Irfan Kahveci scored with a sublime scissors kick in the box to ignite a comeback.

However, the defending champions sealed a 2-1 win to remain at the top of the table with 22 points after nine matches in the Turkish Süper Lig.

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen’s brace took him joint-top with his countryman Gift Orban at the summit of the scorer’s chart as both Nigerian strikers have eight goals each.