By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Victor Osimhen has insisted there will be no room for complacency when his side faces Juventus, declaring that his team will approach the decisive encounter with the mindset of starting from scratch despite holding a commanding aggregate lead.
Speaking ahead of the decisive UEFA Champions League 2nd leg tie against the “Old Lady” in Turin, the Nigerian striker emphasized the importance of discipline, focus, and professionalism ahead of the crucial fixture.
“We’re not approaching the Juventus match as if we’re 5–2 up or have a three-goal advantage,” Osimhen said. “We came here as if it were the first game, as if it were a draw. We want to deliver the same performance we showed in the first match.”
Osimhen’s comments reflect a mature and cautious approach, underlining his awareness of Juventus’ pedigree and their ability to stage comebacks in high-stakes European fixtures. Rather than relying on the cushion from the first leg, the Super Eagles forward stressed the importance of replicating the intensity and execution that secured the advantage.
His mentality mirrors that of elite European teams who prioritize consistency across both legs of knockout ties, avoiding the psychological trap of defending a lead instead of pursuing victory.
The 27-year-old striker relentless attitude has been a defining feature of his rise in European football, with his physical presence, pressing, and clinical finishing making him one of the continent’s most feared forwards.
For Juventus, Osimhen’s warning highlights the scale of the challenge ahead. The Italian giants must produce an exceptional performance to overturn the deficit against a side determined to maintain its aggressive approach.