Victor Osimhen Named Lille Player Of The Season

The accolades keep pouring in for Victor Osimhen on the back of his superlative debut season for Lille with the Ligue 1 club naming him Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season.

Osimhen saw off competition from Benjamin André and Renato Sanches, who finished second and third respectively to claim the prize that was decided by a poll of Lille fans.

“The people of Lille mobilized, voted and elected them. Victor Osimhen is the Mastiff of the season by Boulanger!,” the Lille wrote on Twitter.

“He won this trophy co-organized with our loyal partner, Boulanger, and rewarding the Lille player of the year, according to supporters. The Nigerian international striker (21) is ahead of Benjamin André and Renato Sanches, respectively second and third of your votes.”

The award is yet more testament to the excellent performances of the 21-year-old Super Eagles striker who was Les Dogues’ standout performer this season.

In a season full of rewards, Osimhen was named in the Ligue 1 team of the season and has also been nominated for the Marc Vivien Foe award for the best African player in the French topflight.

Osimhen pilloried 13 goals in Ligue 1 and added five more in Cup competitions to finish as Lille’s top scorer with 18 goals in 38 appearances in all competitions. He also weighed in with six assists.

His goals drove Lille to within touching distance of UEFA Champions League qualification but an early end to the Ligue 1 campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic meant Christophe Galtier’s side just missed out after finishing in 4th place.

Osimhen’s barnstorming performances for the Stade Pierre-Mauroy side has put him on the wishlist of every major European club and Lille have watched in delight as the Nigerian’s market value soared following his €15m move from Belgian side, Sporting Charleroi, last summer.

He has been linked with a host of clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and reports say there is firm interest from Italian Serie A side Napoli over acquiring the Nigerian who is valued at €60m.

Osimhen is currently in Nigeria following the recent passing of his father, Peter.

He, however, faces an interesting summer with many sides jostling for his signature and it remains to be seen if he will remain in France next season.