Olatunji realises Champions League 'dream'

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Sep 19, 2024. 15:12

Victor Olatunji made history after helping Sparta Prague to a 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

The 25-year-old striker featured for 64 minutes at the Letna Stadium and played a starring role, doubling Iron Sparta’s lead in the 42nd minute before turning provider for Qazim Laci on 58 minutes.

In doing so, Olatunji became the first Nigerian to score a goal and provide an assist on his debut in Europe’s elite club competition.

The Sokoto native was thrilled with the achievement after admitting he had to endure many hardships to realise his dream of playing at the highest level of club football.

“I just wanted to put the ball in the back of the net. It was my only dream for tonight,” he told the official UEFA website after the match. “We always play like a team and I really enjoyed it.

“For the third goal, I could have shot but I wanted to give us a bigger chance [of scoring], because missing that chance would not have been good for the team.

“I feel good, I feel great and I’m very happy for myself, because I worked hard to get to this point. I’m also happy for the team.”