David Okereke delivered an outstanding performance as Gaziantep secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over 10-man Antalyaspor in their final Turkish Super Lig match of 2024.
The Nigerian striker’s contribution to the win, which included a crucial assist, has raised hopes that Gaziantep will activate the option-to-buy clause in his contract.
Okereke played 76 minutes of the match and was at the heart of Gaziantep’s attacking play. He provided a vital assist for Kacper Kozlowski, who scored the opener in the 42nd minute.
The goal came just before halftime, giving Gaziantep a deserved lead after controlling much of the play. Alexandru Maxim sealed the victory for the hosts in the 66th minute, doubling the advantage and ensuring Gaziantep ended the year on a high note.
Since joining Gaziantep on loan from Italian Serie B side Cremonese, Okereke has enjoyed a resurgence in form, proving to be a key figure in his new team.
Gaziantep FK’nın uzun süredir ikna etmeye çalıştığı Okereke’nin geçtiğimiz sezon İnter ve Milan’a attığı üç gol. pic.twitter.com/XS76e5pSXi
— Ali Budak (@AliBudakx) September 4, 2024
The 27-year-old has now contributed to six goals in 11 league appearances—four goals and two assists. This marks a significant improvement from last season, when he managed only four goal contributions in 28 games across all competitions.
Okereke’s impressive performances this season have significantly increased the likelihood of Gaziantep activating the option-to-buy clause in his loan deal.
His return to form has caught the attention of many, and the Turkish club may be keen to make the move permanent. Okereke’s contract with Cremonese runs until June 2026, but with his stock on the rise, the Italian side may be willing to cash in while his value is at its peak.
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Gaziantep’s comfortable win over Antalyaspor also moved them up the standings as they look to continue their strong form into 2025. With Okereke playing a starring role, the club will be hopeful that their investment in the Nigerian forward can continue to pay off in the coming months.
