The 25-year-old Nigerian forward with eligibility for the Super Eagles, Victor Olatunji, delivered an electrifying performance on his UEFA Champions League debut, helping Sparta Prague secure a dominant 3-0 win over Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday night.
Olatunji was the driving force behind the Czech champions’ emphatic victory in their first group stage match, playing a key role in two of the three goals scored by his team.
He netted just before the halftime break to give Sparta a commanding 2-0 lead and followed it up in the second half with an assist, setting up the third goal with a pinpoint pass before being substituted in the 64th minute.
The forward’s debut stat sheet—one goal and one assist—left an immediate impression on Nigerian football fans, particularly as it came in such a high-profile competition.
But it wasn’t just his performance that grabbed attention. Olatunji’s goal celebration sent social media into a frenzy when he revealed an undershirt bearing the message, “He is a Chosen, who are you?”—a nod to a viral social media trend in Nigeria linked to a religious movement.
This act showcased the forward’s deep connection to his cultural roots, even as he thrives on the European stage.
Given his stunning debut in one of the world’s most prestigious tournaments, it’s likely that Olatunji’s performance will put him firmly on the radar of Super Eagles selectors.
Though he has yet to earn a senior national team cap, his contribution at such a high level is bound to fast-track his potential inclusion in Nigeria’s squad.
Sparta Prague couldn’t have hoped for a better start to their Champions League campaign, and much of that success can be attributed to the emerging Nigerian star who set the tone for a triumphant night.
