- Nigerian forward Victor Olatunji shines in Sparta Prague’s 3-0 Champions League win
- Olatunji becomes the first Nigerian to score and assist on his UCL debut
- Red Bull Salzburg suffered their second straight defeat in all competitions
Super Eagles forward Victor Olatunji had a night to remember on Wednesday as he marked his UEFA Champions League debut with both a goal and an assist in Sparta Prague's 3-0 thrashing of Red Bull Salzburg.
Sparta Prague, the reigning champions of the Czech Republic, kicked off their Champions League campaign in fine fashion against Salzburg at the Epet Arena. Olatunji, who had been a standout for Sparta last season, started the game in attack, making his anticipated debut in Europe’s premier club competition.
His impressive performance not only helped Sparta to a comfortable victory but also secured him a place in football history as the first Nigerian to achieve this feat, joining African greats Daniel Cousin (2007) and Serge Aurier (2015), according to Opta.
The match couldn’t have started better for Sparta Prague, who took the lead within the first minute thanks to Kaan Kairinen. Although Salzburg gained more possession, they were unable to create any clear-cut chances as Sparta’s defensive organisation proved difficult as the game went on.
In the 36th minute, Olatunji displayed a moment of magic by converting a long pass with a clinical shot into the bottom corner, doubling Sparta’s lead.
The Nigerian forward's celebration caught the attention of many fans, as he ran to the corner flag and showed the inscription “I’m a chosen, who are you?” on his shirt, a trending phrase in Nigeria linked to recent viral testimonies from the Lord’s Chosen Church.
Olatunji’s contribution did not end there, in the second half, he provided an assist for Qazim Laci to make it 3-0, wrapping up a dominant performance for Sparta. Olatunji’s impact was undeniable, with two goal attempts, 14 touches, and winning four of seven duels before being substituted after 58 minutes.
Sparta Prague’s win marked their most significant win in the Champions League since 1999.
On the other hand, Salzburg, under Pepijn Lijnders, has now suffered back-to-back losses across all competitions.
"We have the materials, we have the players" - Eguavoen on Super Eagles' road to redemption
Previously, TheRadar reported that as the 2013 AFCON champions gear up to face a Gernot Rohr-led Benin side in their first qualifying fixture, all eyes are on the Super Eagles.
The team is set to begin their quest for redemption after consistent woeful performances, with just four days left before the encounter.
Nigeria's interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has made it clear that while the Super Eagles will show respect to their opponents, they will fiercely defend their home ground.
