Despite spending only a single season with Lille, Nigeria international Victor Osimhen recalls his debut for the French club as one of his best moments. He arrived at Lille from RSC Charleroi after a standout 2018/19 campaign in which he netted 20 goals and added four assists in 36 games across all competitions. Lille paid €22 million for the striker, and he made an immediate impact.
In an interview with France Football, the 24‑year‑old reflected on his 2019 arrival. “Joining Lille was another step up. Christophe Galtier was the coach. On day one he asked me how many goals I would score on my debut; I told him two. He replied, ‘Ah yes, you’re not kidding around!’ The first week went really well, training at the superb facilities in Luchin with the French group—Jonathan Ikoné, Jonathan Bamba, Mike Maignan. They created a fantastic atmosphere, my God! I felt like I belonged to the team for weeks.”
He continued, “When I got off the bus before the first game, José Fonte said, ‘If you really score two goals, I’ll take you to a restaurant.’ I replied, ‘OK, captain!’ He provided the assist for my first goal; Nantes equalised, and I scored the winner in the 80th minute. It was an adrenaline rush—I had never felt that in a big stadium before. Then, match after match, everything fell into place.”
Osimhen left Lille for Napoli in 2020 after just one season. This year he is enjoying one of the best periods of his career, currently leading the Serie A scorers’ chart with 21 goals, seven ahead of Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez, who sits second with 14. His prolific form is a key factor in Luciano Spalletti’s side topping the league after 29 matches, 16 points clear of second‑place Lazio and on course to win the Italian title for the first time in over three decades.
The 24‑year‑old forward has three years remaining on his contract at the Stadio Diego Maradona. Following his strong campaign, several European clubs have been linked with a move in the summer, with Manchester United emerging as one of the favourites to sign him.
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