How I deceived the defender to score - Osimhen opens up on the genius behind his first goal vs Ajax

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has broken down the decisive piece of mind game and movement that led to his opening goal against Ajax, a strike that set the tone for his historic hat-trick and sealed a comprehensive 3-0 win for Galatasaray in the Champions League.

The goal was the first of three that completely dismantled the defensive strategy laid out by Ajax coach John Heitinga, who had promised to use his experience to stop the Nigerian star.

Speaking to UEFA after the match, Osimhen revealed the clever positional shift that created the space for his powerful header:

Osimhen's confession shows how he deliberately created the confusion and distance in the Ajax backline, the very ‘distances and communication’ that Heitinga had warned his players must maintain to stop the striker.

The defender was left flat-footed, unable to cope with Osimhen’s calculated movement, allowing the Nigerian to meet Sane's precise delivery unchallenged for the first of his three goals.

The hat-trick not only secured a vital win for Galatasaray but also made Osimhen the first player in the club's history to score consecutive Champions League braces.

Reflecting on the overall performance and the hostile environment, Osimhen added:

“We were here last year, in the Europa League, so we knew what we would face. Ajax are not an easy team [to play against], they have an identity. When you play in this kind of stadium you know you have to bring your A-game.”

Osimhen certainly brought his 'A-game', and in doing so, he not only delivered three points but also provided a masterclass in the psychological warfare and tactical deception required to succeed at the elite level of the Champions League.