UCL: Ajax coach reveals plans to 'neutralise' Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen

Pressure is mounting on Ajax boss John Heitinga as his struggling side prepares for a decisive UEFA Champions League battle against Turkish giants Galatasaray and their in-form striker, Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Dutch giants Ajax are reeling from a disastrous European campaign, currently on a six-game UEFA losing streak. 

In contrast, Turkish champions Galatasaray are soaring, after securing back-to-back wins over Liverpool and Boo/Glimt, with Osimhen decisive in both encounters, netting the decisive penalty against the English champions, and scoring twice against the Norwegian side at Rams Park.

Ahead of the highly anticipated match at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday night, Heitinga publicly addressed the major threat posed by the 26-year-old Nigerian international.

The former Everton defender elaborated on his defensive strategy, emphasising the need for team collaboration and smart defending to contain the complete striker.

“The distances and communication between us must be good to neutralise him,” Heitinga explained in an Ajax video. "He is strong, he is fast, [and] athletic. So as a central defender, yes, that is a game you have to play very smart.”

Heitinga stressed that Osimhen's explosiveness and speed over long distances make him a constant threat behind the defensive line. 

The strategy involves not just positioning, but anticipating his movements and preventing him from using defenders as a ‘pivot’.

The Dutchman knows his side must perform better on the ball to protect their defense against the rampaging Nigerian superstar, who has netted in each of his last two outings in the competition. 

With their European future hanging in the balance and a daunting historical record against Turkish teams (W12, L1), Ajax face a monumental task and neutralising the prolific Victor Osimhen is job number one.