Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams both found the back of the net for the first time in preseason as the Nigerian forwards made immediate statements for Galatasaray and Venezia, despite their clubs failing to secure victories in entertaining friendly matches.
Osimhen ended his brief wait for a preseason goal by putting Galatasaray ahead in their thrilling 3-3 draw against Rennes at RAMS Park.
The Super Eagles striker, making his first start of the summer after missing the opening friendlies against Ümraniyespor and Monza before featuring off the bench against Venezia, made an instant impact.
The 27-year-old rose superbly in the 18th minute to head home Galatasaray’s opener, delighting the home supporters.
However, the Turkish champions could not build on the early advantage as Rennes responded through Esteban Lepaul before halftime.
Gabriel Sara restored Galatasaray’s lead shortly after the restart, but Lepaul completed a remarkable hat-trick, including a penalty, to turn the game in the visitors’ favour.
Just when Okan Buruk’s side appeared destined for a fourth straight preseason defeat, Barış Yılmaz converted a stoppage-time penalty to salvage a 3-3 draw, ensuring Osimhen’s first goal of the summer was rewarded with at least a share of the spoils.
Meanwhile, Akor Adams also wasted little time announcing himself following his permanent move to Venezia.
The Nigerian striker started on the bench against Saint-Étienne but made an immediate impression after replacing Albion Rrahmani at the beginning of the second half.
With Venezia trailing 3-1, Adams pulled one back in the 65th minute—just 19 minutes after entering the pitch—to register his first goal for the Serie A side.
His composed finish briefly reignited Venezia’s hopes of a comeback and highlighted the qualities that convinced the Italian club to secure his signature.
The seven-goal contest remained dramatic until the final whistle. Saint-Étienne eventually claimed a 4-3 victory despite late pressure from Venezia, who reduced the deficit again through Matteo Dagasso before Kike Pérez’s stoppage-time red card ended any hopes of a late equaliser.
Although neither Osimhen nor Adams celebrated victories, both Nigerian internationals delivered encouraging performances by opening their preseason scoring accounts.
With the new campaign fast approaching, Galatasaray and Venezia will take confidence from seeing their attacking stars rediscover their scoring touch, while Nigerian fans will be equally pleased to watch two Super Eagles forwards begin preparations for the season on a positive personal note.