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Victor Osimhen is happy to be compared with Nicolas Pepe after replacing him at Lille, but insists he will bring “my own qualities to the team”. The French Ligue 1 side swooped for the 20-year-old Nigeria international in the summer after talisman Pepe was allowed to join Premier League Arsenal in a £72million deal.
Osimhen was brought in from Belgian side Charleroi on a five-year contract until summer 2024.
And, he has taken to the life in France like a duck to water with five goals in five appearances for Lille.
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His good start has resulted in excitement that Osimhen is the man to fill the void left by the 24-year-old Ivory Coast star, Pepe, who scored 37 goals in 79 outings in all competitions before his exit.
When asked about the comparison after Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Rennes, the youngster said: “Like a lot of people say, I’m replacing Nicolas Pepe, he scored some beautiful and wonderful goals, but I think I am near to bringing in my own qualities to the team.” “Nicolas Pepe and Victor Osimhen are quite different players, so it’s OK if ever some people try to compare me and him. I feel good to be compared to such a great player”, he added.
