'That was a real centre-forward goal' — Ajax coach admits Osimhen’s quality after 3-0 Champions League defeat

Ajax coach John Heitinga was left to rue his side's defeat on Wednesday night, but he did not hesitate to offer praise for Victor Osimhen after the Super Eagles striker’s devastating hat-trick led Galatasaray to a comprehensive 3-0 Champions League victory in Amsterdam.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that the 26-year-old former Napoli star was in blistering form as he led the Lions to another comfortable Champions League victory.

The result was particularly a bitter end to Heitinga's highly-publicised defensive plan to cage Osimhen. However, in his post-match assessment, the Dutch coach conceded that the Nigerian's quality simply proved too much, especially for the crucial opening goal.

Speaking to Ziggo via UEFA after the final whistle, Heitinga admitted the crushing feeling of the loss:

The coach’s specific focus then shifted to Osimhen's first strike, a powerful, close-range header the forward has come out to speak on that broke the deadlock, which validated the striker's elite pedigree.

Heitinga's honest admission shows the effectiveness of Osimhen's movement and finishing ability. The Nigerian striker revealed he had deceived the defender to score the opener, and the Ajax coach’s comments confirm that the clinical nature of the goal was the turning point that shattered his team's disciplined performance.

Osimhen's hat-trick ensured he became the first player in Galatasaray history to score back-to-back Champions League braces, adding yet another layer of disappointment to a tough night for the reeling Dutch giants.