Copyright pulsesports
Nigerian fans have warned Ajax’s coach John Heitinga after he revealed plans to stop Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in their UEFA Champions League clash. The comments made by Ajax coach John Heitinga detailing his tactics to stop Victor Osimhen in their crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Galatasaray have led to an intense reaction from Nigerian fans across social media. While Heitinga, a former defender, stressed the need for his backline to be "smart" and maintain "good communication" to contain the powerful and explosive striker, Nigerian supporters were focused on one thing: the health of their "Starboy" ahead of a must-win international fixture later this month. Nigeria's Super Eagles are set to face Gabon in a do-or-die, single-leg playoff semi-final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket on Thursday, November 13th in Morocco. With the national team already reeling from a significant injury crisis across their attack and defence, fans are fiercely protective of their most important player, Osimhen, who was the hero in the previous qualifying round with a decisive hat-trick. Fans react to 'Neutralise' plan The word "neutralise," used by Heitinga to describe his defensive strategy, was immediately interpreted as a threat by anxious Nigerian fans who flooded social media platforms with sharp warnings. Common reactions included: “Abeg no injure our Starboy. We have matches to play!“ one stated, “Oga!!!! This 'neutralize' wey you dey talk.. know wetin you dey do ohh!!!” added another. Another concerned Nigerian was not taking lightly the buzz word as he said; “Neutralize keh.. make una no injure am o make God no punish you oo” The emotional outcry reflects the importance of the upcoming playoff. With strikers Terem Moffi and Cyriel Dessers, and defenders like Semi Ajayi and Igoh Ogbu, already sidelined, the Super Eagles can ill-afford to lose Osimhen, who Heitinga himself described as a "very good striker," strong, fast, and athletic. Heitinga's plan to combat Osimhen’s pace and strength will be under intense scrutiny from Nigerian supporters, who are praying for both a spectacular performance from their star and, most importantly, his safe outing in the Champions League tie on Wednesday night.
