Nigerian and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is set to return to France as Galatasaray take on Lille in a crucial UEFA Champions League encounter, with both sides seeking their first victory in the competition’s league phase.
The Turkish champions travel to France on Wednesday hoping to revive their European campaign after suffering defeats in their opening two matches.
Galatasaray lost 3-1 to Sporting CP before falling 4-1 to Barcelona, leaving them under pressure to secure a positive result against Lille.
Osimhen is expected to lead Galatasaray’s attack as they attempt to end their losing run and get their campaign back on track.
The Super Eagles forward previously played for Lille during the 2019/20 season, scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances before moving to Napoli.
His return to France adds another dimension to the encounter, with the striker expected to play a key role in Galatasaray’s efforts to overcome their hosts.
Lille are also seeking their first points in the competition after losing their opening matches against Real Betis and Arsenal.
The French side will look to take advantage of home support, although containing Osimhen is expected to be a major challenge for their defence.
Both teams will be eager to secure a victory to revive their Champions League hopes, with Wednesday’s encounter presenting an important opportunity to improve their positions in the league-phase standings.
Galatasaray first 11 to face Lille as posted by the club on its X handle on Wednesday
Uğurcan Çakır
Roland Sallai
Davinson Sánchez
Ismail Jakobs
Okan Buruk
Abdulkerim
Lucas Torreira
Aleksey Batrakov
Yunus Akgün
Barış Alper Yılmaz,
Victor Osimhen
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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