Osimhen signs 5-yr deal with Lille, vows to follow Enyeama, Osaze’s footsteps

Super Eagles forward, Victor Osihmen has signed to play at French Ligue 1 club, Lille for the next five years, after joining from Belgian side RSC Charleroi.

The 20-year-old completed his medical in France and penned the deal on Thursday.

He becomes another Nigerian to play for Lille as forward Peter Odemwingie and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama had had stints at the French giants.

Lille finished in second position in the French Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint Germain last season, and will compete in the Champions League in the 2019/2020 season.

Osimhen, who scored 20 times in Belgium last season, believes his joining Lille would help him become better in his aim for progress as the club has a quality project that suits him.

“Lille is a very good club that has a quality project and includes high-class players, even more in recent years,” he told the club’s website.

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“Great Nigerian players have also played here. I would like to join their lineage and follow their footsteps.

“I am very happy to be here and to join this great club. I am still young, I am learning and I think that this project suits me perfectly to continue to progress.”

Osimhen was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the bronze medal at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he made only one appearance.

He emerged top scorer as Nigeria clinched a fifth Under-17 World Cup title in Chile 2015 with 10 goals, which saw him win the Golden Boot and Silver Ball.

The 2015 Confederation of African Football (Caf) Youth Player of the Year has played for Nigeria at all levels, from under-17 to the senior team.

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