Victor Osimhen struck against Lille in Galatasaray’s 4-2 Champions League victory on Wednesday, but the Nigeria striker refused to celebrate against his former club.
The 61st-minute goal pushed Lille deeper into trouble during a difficult second half, yet Osimhen’s response showed the respect he continues to hold for the club where he made his breakthrough in Europe.
Galatasaray caught Lille on the counter-attack and Baris Yilmaz found Osimhen on the edge of the penalty area. The striker unleashed a powerful, dipping effort which left Berke Ozer with little chance, sending the ball into the net to make it 4-2.
The finish reflected the qualities that have made Osimhen one of the most dangerous forwards of his generation: intelligent movement, explosive power and the ability to decide a match when his team needs him.
Gernot Rohr described Osimhen as “unquestionably one of the best centre-forwards in the world”.
A gesture for Lille supporters
Rather than celebrate, Osimhen turned towards Lille’s DVE supporters and formed a heart with his fingers. The gesture underlined the lasting connection between the striker and the club’s fans.
Osimhen spent the 2019/20 season with Lille, making 38 appearances and scoring 18 goals in 10 months. His performances in the Champions League helped establish him on the European stage and set him on a path towards the highest level of the game.
That campaign was cut short in March 2020 by the Covid-19 pandemic, but his time with Lille made a significant contribution to his development.
Osimhen was a constant threat at the stadium Pierre-Mauroy, a ground he knows well. His movement repeatedly tested the home defence, while his aggression in challenges and relentless running created problems throughout the match.
Lille’s central defenders struggled to deal with his physical strength and his ability to attack space. The Galatasaray forward also thought he had won a penalty during the game, but the decision was reviewed and overturned following the intervention of the video assistant referee (VAR).
The incident did not affect his approach. Osimhen continued to press and occupy the Lille defence until he was substituted with five minutes remaining.
He left the pitch to a standing ovation from the stadium, reflecting both his influence on the match and the affection still felt for him by the Lille supporters.
For Lille, the evening will be remembered for the defeat and the defensive mistakes that allowed Galatasaray to take control. For their fans, however, it also provided an opportunity to welcome back a former player who punished them on the pitch without showing any lack of respect off it.