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What you need to know about the latest Nigerian sensation in Europe, Victor Olatunji.
From his humble beginnings with Lagos Islanders in Nigeria, Victor Olatunji's football journey is a testament to perseverance and talent.
Olatunji has steadily climbed the ranks of European football, making stops at Inter Bratislava, Podbrezova, and Larnaca in Cyprus before landing in the Czech Republic.
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His recent performances have thrust him into the spotlight, making him a name to watch in European football.
Here are five things you should know about this emerging talent - the new Victor in Nigerian football:
Rapid Rise in Czech Football
Olatunji's impact on Czech football has been swift and significant. He spent two seasons with AEK before joining Slovan Liberec in January 2023.
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His time at Liberec was impressive, netting eight league goals in 18 matches. This stellar performance caught the eye of Czech giants Sparta Prague, who secured his services in the summer of 2023.
Last season, he contributed eight goals and two assists, leading the club to the league title in his debut campaign.
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Unique Player Profile
Having joined the club last summer, Sparta Prague's sporting director, and former Arsenal star, Tomáš Rosický, highlighted Olatunji's distinctive qualities:
"We are talking about a player with interesting physical and speed parameters,,” Rosicky stated after the club added the Nigerian to their payroll.
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This unique blend of attributes makes Olatunji a valuable asset to his team, with Rosicky adding that the forward offered something they never had.
Champions League Milestone
In a remarkable achievement, Olatunji became the first Nigerian and only the third African player to both score and assist on his Champions League debut.
The young forward proved to be one of the standout players for Prague as they kicked off their Champions League campaign with a decisive 3-0 demolition of Salzburg.
This feat came during a magical night against Red Bull Salzburg, instantly etching his name in the competition's history books.
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Nigerian Roots
Born on September 5, 1999, in Sokoto, Nigeria, that means the Prague star is still very much at just 25 years old.
Olatunji's journey from West Africa to the top tiers of European football is a source of inspiration.
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His success serves as a beacon for young Nigerian footballers aspiring to make their mark on the global stage.
Eligible for Super Eagles
With his Nigerian root and the stunt he pulled after revealing the ‘I am a chosen’ on his inner shirt after scoring against Salzburg, Olatunji is eligible to play for the Super Eagles.
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With his fantastic debut for Prague and his domestic form which has resulted to five goals and one assist in 14 matches this season, don’t be surprised to see him in the next Super Eagles squad.
Victor Olatunji's rapid ascent in European football, culminating in his historic Champions League debut, marks him as one of Nigeria's most exciting football exports and one to keep keen eyes on for the rest of the European season.
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