Victor Olatunji, making his Champions League debut for Sparta Prague, sets a new record.
Against RB Salzburg on his UEFA Champions League debut with Sparta Praha, Victor Olatunji stole the show.
The Nigerian striker, who spearheaded the team’s offensive, did not take long to make an impression on the grand platform.
After receiving a ball from Filip Panák, the 25-year-old scored to extend his team’s advantage in the 42nd minute. He then turned provider, setting up Qazim Laçi to secure a resounding victory against the Austrian team.
The Nigerian striker had a remarkable Champions League debut. He became the first Nigerian inducted into an elite club for African footballers. He also set a new record for Nigeria in the competition’s history.
Record-setting Victor Olatunji for UCL
The 25-year-old made history in his Champions League debut by becoming only the third player from Africa to score and assist, per statistics provided by OptaJoe.
Olatunji is following in the footsteps of Ivorian defender Serge Aurier, who scored for Paris Saint-Germain in their 2015 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk, and Daniel Cousin, who scored on his Rangers debut against Lyon in 2007.
As the first Nigerian to score and provide an assist on his UCL debut, he also created history.
According to statistics from Fotmob, Olatunji has contributed directly to over 16 goals for the team since joining the Czech powerhouses in the summer of 2023.
Olatunji celebrated his goal and his team’s win with the widely popular Nigerian song “I Am Chosen.”
The attacker is keen to continue his strong play in Sparta’s next UCL match against VfB Stuttgart in Germany.
Lookman surpasses Salah on a special ranking.
Mohamed Salah has been surpassed by Ademola Lookman on a special football ranking.
In 2024, the striker for Atalanta emerged as the African player with the most number of non-penalty goal involvements.
The forward is in position to take home the African Player of the Year award for 2024.
CREDIT: Allneeds, Legit
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