As Paris Saint Germain finally rolled into the Stade Bollaert on Wednesday evening, the Ligue 1 title was already theirs for the taking. Their five co...
As Paris Saint Germain finally rolled into the Stade Bollaert on Wednesday evening, the Ligue 1 title was already theirs for the taking. Their five consecutive league crowns, a feat of sheer dominance, had been all but secured with a six point lead and a superior goal difference that left little room for doubt. The powers that be had pushed this top of the table showdown from early April to the midweek before the final day, a decision that robbed the fixture of its original drama. Had the match been played on its scheduled date, a home win for Lens would have closed the gap to a single point with five matches remaining, a scenario that would have kept the race alive. Instead, the contest, while spirited, felt like a coronation rather than a contest. Yet in the scheme of things, Lens through the able leadership of Pierre Sage have given a good account of themselves. Sage has shown the kind of resilience that makes a coach stand out in the rough and tumble of modern football. His squad, while not possessing the financial muscle of the Parisian giants, have fought tooth and nail for every point. They have been clinical in their approach and steadfast in their belief. The lion's share of the credit for their remarkable season must go to Sage, who has moulded a group of players into a formidable unit capable of troubling any side on any given day. At the end of the day, PSG. �s quality and depth proved too much for the chasing pack. Their attack, led by the Nigerian international Victor Osimhen. �s former Napoli teammate and other stars, has been relentless. Lens meanwhile have a final opportunity to cap their campaign with silverware when they face off in the Coupe de France final next Friday. It is a chance for them to prove that their challenge was no fluke, and that they belong at the top table of French football. For the Super Eagles faithful who follow the league closely, the sight of Samuel Umtiti and his teammates grinding out results has been a source of genuine pride. Back home in Lagos, at the popular viewing centre in Surulere, the atmosphere was electric as fans watched the match on large screens. Men in their Arsenal and Barcelona jerseys, some with PSG kits, argued passionately over which side had truly earned the right to be called champions. When Lens scored their late goal, a roar went up from a corner of the room, only to be drowned out by the deep sighs of those who had expected a PSG rout. The debate over whether Pierre Sage. �s men could have done more if not for the scheduling change continued well into the night, as bottles of malt and sachets of gari were passed around. For the average Nigerian football lover, this season. �s Ligue 1 race has been a reminder that heart and organisation can challenge money and star power, even if the final outcome remains unchanged.
