Osimhen hopes for bright start in maiden UEFA Champions League outing

Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen will be aiming to start his Champions League campaign on a bright note as Lille visit Ajax today at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, reports soccernet.ng.

The Nigerian international has been in a superb goal-scoring form for his French club in Ligue 1, becoming the first player to score five goals in his first five French top-flight outings.

However, his attention will be shifted to today’s clash against an Ajax side that made the last four of the UEFA Champions League last season, with the aim to continue his goal-scoring form.

A trip to the Johan Cruyff Arena is a daunting way for Lille to make their Champions League return, having not featured in the competition proper since 2012-13.

However, it is certainly a step up from their last European foray – defeat to Qabala of Azerbaijan in the third qualifying round of the 2016-17 Europa League – and also they have had to cope with the loss of a star player in Nicolas Pepe.

Christophe Galtier’s side has alternated between wins and defeats in their opening five Ligue 1 games this term to sit fifth in the table, but they do come into this match off the back of a victory over Angers on Friday night.

On the other hand, Ajax showed their class at the weekend as the team thrashed SC Heerenveen 4-1 at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Erik ten Hag’s side is unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions since the beginning of the campaign, quickly rising back to the top of the Eredivisie table after claiming their first title since 2014 last term.