Victor Olatunji Shines in Champions League Debut, Outperforming Kanu, Mikel, Osimhen, and Iwobi records
Victor Olatunji emerged as the standout player on Wednesday evening as his team, Sparta Prague, defeated RB Salzburg 3-1 in their UEFA Champions League opener at the epet ARENA.
The Nigerian forward achieved a remarkable milestone that fellow Nigerian football stars like Nwankwo Kanu, John Obi Mikel, Alex Iwobi, and Victor Osimhen did not accomplish in their own Champions League debuts. Olatunji scored one goal and provided an assist for his Czech side, marking a significant achievement from a Nigerian perspective.
No other Nigerian player has managed to both score and assist in their Champions League debut, including notable names such as Kanu and Mikel. Kanu made his debut with Ajax in 1994, a year after winning the Silver Boot and being named the second-best player at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan. Mikel debuted in 2006, following his impressive performance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands. Iwobi first appeared in the Champions League for Arsenal against Bayern Munich in 2015, while Osimhen made his debut with Lille in France.
Sparta Prague opened the scoring early in the match with Kaan Kairinen netting a goal just two minutes in, capitalizing on a rebound off goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. Olatunji almost added a second with a header that missed the target before he found the net himself in the 42nd minute.
In the 58th minute, Olatunji showcased his unselfishness by assisting his teammate Qazim Laci, who skillfully evaded two defenders and the goalkeeper before scoring. According to statistics from Opta Joe, Olatunji is now the first Nigerian player to score and assist on his Champions League debut, making him only the third African to achieve this feat, following Daniel Cousin and Serge Aurier.
