Sports
Ajax coach reveals plans to cage ‘skillful’ Osimhen in UCL showdown
- Dutchman describes Nigerian ace as a mix of Drogba and Ibrahimovic
- By David Oyekan with Agency Reports
Ajax head coach John Heitinga has heaped praise on Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, describing the Galatasaray forward as a rare blend of power and skill reminiscent of football greats Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Heitinga made the comparison in his press briefing ahead of today’s UEFA Champions League showdown between Ajax and Galatasaray in Amsterdam. The Dutch manager admitted his side must be cautious of the in-form striker, whose blistering pace and strength have made him one of Europe’s most feared attackers.
“If I were to compare Osimhen to someone, it would be these two players Drogba and Ibrahimovic,” Heitinga said. “He combines both strength and speed, and his physical presence is incredible. We must be fully focused to contain him.”
Osimhen has become a central figure for the Turkish champions since joining permanently from Napoli in the summer. During his loan spell last season, he scored 37 goals across all competitions, inspiring Galatasaray to a league and cup double their first in more than a decade.
The 26-year-old’s success in Istanbul came after Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester United failed to meet Napoli’s €75 million valuation. Galatasaray’s bold move paid off handsomely, making Osimhen the most expensive signing in Turkish football history.
The Nigerian forward has continued to set records this season. He became Galatasaray’s fastest scorer in the UEFA Champions League with an early goal against Bodo/Glimt, and also became the first player in the club’s history to score in seven consecutive European fixtures.
His decisive strike against Liverpool helped Galatasaray secure back-to-back Champions League victories for the first time in 13 years — a testament to his growing influence in European football.
A goal against Ajax in Amsterdam today could see Osimhen extend his record-breaking run and further cement his reputation as one of Africa’s brightest stars on the continental stage.
UCL: TODAY’S MATCHES
Pafos vs. Villarreal
Qarabağ vs. Chelsea
Ajax vs. Galatasaray
Benfica vs. Leverkusen
Brugge vs. Barcelona
Inter Milan vs. Kairat
Man City vs. Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund
Marseille vs. Atalanta
Newcastle vs. Atletico
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