Nigerian striker Victor Olatunji will lead Sparta Prague’s attack when the Czech champions welcome Inter Milan to Czechia, aiming to end their four-game winless run in the UEFA Champions League.
The Czech champions took four points from their first two league phase fixtures, beating Salzburg 3-0 at home on Matchday 1, but have lost all four games since, going down 2-4 at Feyenoord in their last outing.
The 25-year-old, who has scored twice with an assist in six UCL games and has been in a rich vein of form lately, finding the back of the net for Sparta against Malmo, and Bodo/Glimt will be aiming to add to his tally in the competition.
Speaking ahead of the game, Olatunji expressed his excitement and acknowledged the challenges that come with facing some of Europe’s top clubs.
“The game (against Inter) will be tough,” Olatunji said.
He also looked forward to Sparta Praha’s encounter against Bayer Leverkusen.
“The Champions League is not easy; it’s a great league. Playing against the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, where Victor Boniface is, will be special.
“Two victories from the same country playing against each other—these are the kind of games I love to play to prove myself. It will be a great match for us.”
Reflecting on his Champions League journey, Olatunji described the experience as a dream come true.
“Playing in the Champions League feels incredible. It’s a competition where you face top clubs and players.
“The pressure, the atmosphere—I love everything about it. Reaching this point hasn’t been easy; it’s taken a lot of dedication and hard work. I’m very happy and grateful to be part of this tournament.”
Olatunji also revealed his admiration for the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, calling the Portuguese captain his role model.
“My role model is Cristiano Ronaldo because I love not just how he looks but how he plays, his mentality, and his drive to be the best,” Olatunji said.
“He’s (Ronaldo) someone I emulate. You need to choose who you want to be like, and I’ve chosen Ronaldo. His dedication and strength in football are inspiring, and that’s why he’s my role model.”
Olatunji has even adopted Ronaldo’s iconic goal celebration, a mid-air pirouette followed by the exclamation “si!”—Spanish for “yes!”
