Nigerian forward Victor Olatunji put out a man of the match and debut performance, inspiring his team to success as AC Sparta Prague returned to the UEFA Champions League after 19 long years with a huge win over Red Bull Salzburg.
It was the Nigerian striker who stole the spotlight on Wednesday night with a goal, an assist, and a celebration that will have fans talking for weeks, Footballrover reports.
From the first whistle at the Epet Arena, Sparta were on the front foot, and within two minutes, they broke the deadlock.
Kaan Kairinen’s cool finish gave the Czech champions the dream start they craved.
Yet, while the early strike ignited the crowd, it was Olatunji who soon became the man of the hour.
The Nigerian nearly doubled the lead early with a header that had the Red Bull Salzburg defence scrambling, but it wasn’t long before he made his mark.
Just before halftime, Olatunji latched onto a long ball from Filip Panák and, with ice in his veins, smashed a stunning angled strike beyond Salzburg’s keeper, Janis Blaswich.
The stadium erupted, and so did Olatunji—with Siuuu celebration that said it all.
Ripping open his jersey, the 23-year-old revealed an undershirt that read, “I am a chosen; who are you?” —joining the viral social media trend in Nigeria.
Olatunji wasn’t just playing for a win—he was announcing himself to Europe.
🇳🇬 Victor Olatunji scores and assist on his #UCL debut ⚽🅰️
𝘼 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙣 🤩 pic.twitter.com/NR35Ho459K
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) September 18, 2024
But the Nigerian wasn’t done yet.
Just minutes into the second half, he pounced on a Salzburg defensive mistake, setting up Qazim Laçi for Sparta’s third goal.
In one swoop, Olatunji not only secured victory for his team but scored and assisted on his Champions League debut.
Sparta held on for a comfortable 3-0 victory, but the night belonged to The Chosen One.
Despite his brilliant display, Victor could only feature for just 64 minutes, as he was subbed off and replaced by Albion Rrahmani for the rest of the match.
Victor Olatunji didn’t just play his part in a historic win—he made sure the world knows who he is.
And this is just the beginning.
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