Nigerian striker Victor Olatunji had a remarkable UEFA Champions League debut, scoring and assisting in Sparta Prague’s 3-0 triumph over RB Salzburg in the 2024/25 Champions League’s new format.
Olatunji became the first Nigerian and the third African player to both score and assist in a Champions League debut, following Gabon’s Daniel Cousin in 2007 (Rangers vs Lyon) and Ivory Coast’s Serge Aurier in 2015 (PSG vs Shakhtar Donetsk).
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Olatunji also made history as the first Nigerian to score in the revamped Champions League format.
Sparta Prague took an early lead just two minutes into the game through midfielder Kaan Kairinen. Olatunji doubled the advantage in the 42nd minute with a well-taken volley, celebrating in signature Cristiano Ronaldo fashion.
In the 58th minute, Olatunji turned playmaker, assisting Qazim Laçi for Sparta’s third goal, sealing the commanding win. Salzburg struggled to match the intensity of the Czech giants throughout the encounter.
Despite pushing for another goal, Olatunji was substituted in the 64th minute, replaced by Albion Rrahmani, but his impact had already secured the victory.
