This season, Owusu has registered one goal and three assists in 26 Ligue 1 appearances, an improvement from his one goal and two assists in 33 matches during Auxerre’s 2023/24 promotion campaign from Ligue 2.
The Ghanaian credits Gomis for reshaping his approach to the game.
“Before the season, I spoke to Bafetimbi Gomis, who is like a big brother, and he told me, ‘Eli, you need to exhibit more,’” Owusu revealed in an interview with Flashscore facilitated by Ligue 1.
“He told me to write down my targets and think about them every time I play. Since then, my mindset has changed.
"I told myself I can bring more to the team, so I tried to do my best each game. I’m glad I could help with some goals and assists.”
Two seasons ago, Auxerre were relegated from Ligue 1 after finishing 17th with just eight wins in 38 games. Their immediate return to the top flight has been marked by resilience: with six games remaining, they sit 11 points clear of the relegation zone (38 points, 11th place).
“I think the mindset of the team has been the difference this season,” Owusu remarked.
“We have known each other for longer, and our mentality is much better now. There is a lot of improvement in the team, and the new signings have settled well, with the coach blending the squad well.
"At the end of the day, I think our quality is higher.”
26 out of Auxerre’s 38 points have been picked up at home this season (the ninth-best home record in Ligue 1), which have been crucial to their survival bid.
“They push us. They give us the energy to do more,” Owusu said of the Stade Abbe-Deschamps faithful.
“They are always behind us, even if things are not going well. They always give us positivity and confidence to make sure we have a good atmosphere to play. Our home crowd has helped us a lot.”
Owusu’s growth extends beyond statistics. The 27-year-old has worn the captain’s armband three times this season, stepping up in the absence of senior players.
“I feel proud to have the honour to captain and help the team,” he said.
“Auxerre is a very big club in France, and it is a big honour to lead the team. I feel the responsibility to give my best and to help my teammates in the best way possible.”
With safety nearly secured, Auxerre are focused on finishing strong. “For us, the biggest target is to stay in the league first, and then after which we will see.
"We just want to stay in the league and win as many games as possible. We know that it is difficult to play in Ligue 1, but we will do our best,” the Ghanaian explained.
Owusu, who has earned 15 caps for Ghana, is determined to cement his place in the Black Stars squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“The World Cup is the biggest tournament for a footballer because you dream of it from childhood,” he said.
“Playing for your country at the biggest stage, with everyone watching, it’s crazy, and you feel proud. It’s difficult to describe such a feeling in words.”
“I am looking forward to the 2026 World Cup. Every Ghanaian player is working hard to have the chance to be in the final squad. When you work hard, you want to be in the squad for the World Cup. I train every day and work hard to try and be in the squad for the tournament next year,” he added.
Auxerre travel to face Lens in matchday 31 of Ligue 1 and will look to return to winning ways after consecutive 3-1 defeats to Lyon and Lille.
