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Chuba Akpom made an encouraging start to life in Ligue 1, scoring his first goal for Lille in their 2-1 defeat to Le Havre on Saturday, Soccernet.football reports.
Despite the late strike, it was not enough to rescue a result for Bruno Genesio’s side, who missed an opportunity to strengthen their push for a Champions League spot.
Akpom, on loan from Ajax with an option to buy, was introduced at half-time and looked lively.
Pour ceux qui se demandent, c’est cette faute qu’ils sifflent avec la VAR !
— j (@jojodefeignant) February 8, 2025
Vous la voyez pas ? Ca saute aux yeux pourtant pic.twitter.com/SxQaHzs2oA
However, he initially found himself at the heart of controversy, inadvertently causing the cancellation of Hakon Haraldsson’s goal in the 80th minute after stepping on Loïc Négo’s foot in the build-up.
❌ But d’Haraldsson ? C’est REFUSÉ !
— Free FOOT (@FreeFoot) February 8, 2025
Akpom fait une semelle sur Nego et l’empêche de défendre. Logique ? #LOSCHAC pic.twitter.com/tAyNvjd8Gd
The Nigerian-born striker responded in the dying moments of the match, capitalizing on Étienne Youté’s misplaced pass to score in stoppage time (90+7’).
Still, Lille boss Genesio was pleased with Akpom’s debut, emphasizing that the striker still needs time to adapt.
“He’s a player who still needs to find his feet with us,” Genesio said as per Le 11 Hdf.
“It’s normal, he’s just arrived. He needs to assimilate certain principles, which are perhaps different from what he was used to at Ajax. But it’s good for him to score. It can only increase his confidence and bring us something extra for the end of the season.”
The 29-year-old nearly scored earlier, forcing a fine save from Mathieu Gorgelin in the 60th minute. Minutes later, he played a key role in setting up a major chance for Jonathan David (63’), showing glimpses of his attacking potential.
Special day for Chuba Akpom ⚽️
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 8, 2025
✅ Ligue 1 debut
✅ First L1 goal pic.twitter.com/iO50KI4MJw
Akpom’s goal saw him follow in the footsteps of fellow Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, and Terem Moffi, who also scored on their Ligue 1 debuts for Lille, Nantes, and Lorient, respectively.
Despite Lille’s dominance in possession, they were punished by a clinical Le Havre side, with Soumaré and Issa Soumaré getting on the scoresheet. The defeat leaves Lille frustrated, but Akpom’s performance suggests he could be a valuable asset in their push for European football.
Lille will now turn their attention to their next fixture against Rennes on February 16.
