Osimhen scores against Lille but pays tribute to former club in Galatasaray win

Victor Osimhen scored as Galatasaray beat Lille 4-2 in the Champions League on Wednesday, but the Nigeria striker chose not to celebrate against his former club.

The 61st-minute goal further damaged Lille’s hopes on a difficult evening for the French side. Yet rather than show his delight, Osimhen turned towards the Lille supporters from DVE and formed a heart with his fingers.

It was a gesture of respect for the club where he spent the 2019/20 season and first established himself on the European stage.

Powerful finish leaves Lille in trouble

Lille had begun to lose control of the match after the interval when Galatasaray launched a counter-attack and exposed gaps in the home defence.

Baris Yilmaz found Osimhen on the edge of the penalty area, and the striker produced a powerful, dipping finish which gave Berke Ozer little chance. The ball ended in the net to make the score 4-2.

The goal reflected the qualities that have made Osimhen such a dangerous forward: intelligent positioning, strength in his shooting and the ability to deliver when his team needs him.

Gernot Rohr has described him as “unquestionably one of the best centre-forwards in the world”.

Although his goal was costly for Lille, Osimhen’s decision not to celebrate underlined the affection he still has for the club and its supporters.

His spell at Lille lasted 10 months. He made 38 appearances and scored 18 goals, attracting attention across Europe during a period when Lille were also competing in the Champions League.

That campaign ended prematurely in March 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it played a major part in setting Osimhen on the path towards the highest level of the game.

Constant threat at Stade Pierre-Mauroy

Osimhen’s influence extended well beyond his goal at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, a ground he knows well.

With his movement, aggression in challenges and relentless running, he repeatedly tested the Lille defence. The home side’s central defenders struggled to cope with his pace, physical presence and ability to attack space.

The Galatasaray striker also thought he had won a penalty during the match. However, a review by the video assistant referee (VAR) led to the decision being overturned.

That incident did not reduce his influence. Osimhen continued to occupy the Lille defence and remained a threat until the closing stages.

He was substituted with five minutes remaining and left the pitch to a standing ovation. The reception reflected both his contribution to Galatasaray’s victory and the regard in which he remains held by Lille supporters.

Lille will focus on the defeat and the defensive errors that contributed to it. Their supporters could nevertheless acknowledge the performance of a former player who hurt his old club without forgetting the connection he built there.