Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom made an instant impact on his Ligue 1 debut, scoring a last-minute goal for LOSC Lille against Le Havre. Despite Lille’s 2-1 loss, Akpom’s goal was a confidence booster for both the player and the team.
Lille’s head coach Bruno Genesio praised the 29-year-old striker, highlighting his adaptability and goal-scoring instinct. The former Middlesbrough star, who struggled for game time at Ajax, made a loan switch to Lille in January and has already started proving his worth.
Genesio’s Reaction to Chuba Akpom’s Goal
Speaking after the match, Genesio expressed satisfaction with Akpom’s performance:
“Scoring is always a good sign for a striker. Chuba was opportunistic in this action. He is a player who still has to find his feet with us.”
The Lille manager acknowledged that Akpom still needs time to adapt but emphasized that his debut goal would boost his confidence moving forward.
Chuba Akpom’s Journey from Ajax to Lille
- Struggled for game time at Ajax Amsterdam in the Eredivisie.
- Joined LOSC Lille on loan in January 2025 for more playing time.
- Scored in his first Ligue 1 game in the 97th minute against Le Havre.
Akpom previously played a key role for Middlesbrough, scoring 28 goals in the 2022/23 Championship season, before moving to Ajax. However, his limited minutes in the Netherlands led to his move to France, where he now hopes to rediscover his top form.
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Lille’s Ligue 1 Standings and Next Fixtures
Following their defeat to Le Havre, Lille sits 5th in the Ligue 1 table, five points behind second-place Marseille. Meanwhile, PSG leads the table by 13 points, making the title race a tough challenge for Lille.
What’s Next for Chuba Akpom?
With his first Ligue 1 goal under his belt, Akpom will be aiming to establish himself as a key player for Lille in the coming months. The French top flight offers a fresh challenge, and if he continues to impress, a permanent move could be on the cards.
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