Victor Osimhen answered his critics on Wednesday night with a commanding display as Galatasaray dismantled Lille 4-2 in the UEFA Champions League, earning the Nigeria international the Man of the Match award.

The 27-year-old striker had faced scrutiny after difficult outings for Galatasaray in their previous two fixtures — a heavy 4-1 loss to Barcelona and a narrow 1-0 win over Gençlerbirliği. Against his former club Lille, however, Osimhen delivered a decisive response, netting in a fiercely competitive encounter.

Osimhen's defiant message

Speaking to reporters after the match, Osimhen made clear that external criticism holds no power over him. "I come from a place where I'm not afraid. I don't fear difficulties. No one can tell me how to sprint, how to play or how to score goals. I already do these things, and that's why I'm one of the world's best strikers," he said.

Osimhen was equally blunt about those who sought to unsettle him. "They don't really know me, and nothing they say affects me. They want to drag me into that, but I've approached all the talk with indifference. I have other things to deal with; I'm not bothering with these."

Fenerbahçe rivalry looms large

With the Lille result behind them, Galatasaray now set their sights on Istanbul rivals Fenerbahçe. The Yellow and Reds lead the Turkish Super Lig with 19 points from eight matches — three points clear of third-placed Fenerbahçe — and Okan Buruk's side will be eager to maintain that advantage in what promises to be a fierce derby.