Super Eagles striker Peter Olayinka has been making headlines this week after securing a double triumph with his new club, Red Star Belgrade, in Serbia.
Olayinka, who joined Red Star Belgrade last summer from Czech giants Slavia Prague, played a pivotal role in his team’s success. The Nigerian forward scored twice in Red Star’s decisive 4-1 victory over Cukaricki, a win that clinched the Serbian SuperLiga title for the 2023-2024 season. This victory comes shortly after Red Star secured the Serbian Cup, defeating Vojvodina 2-1.
Dominance in Serbia
Red Star Belgrade, the most successful club in Serbian football history, has won their seventh consecutive league title, bringing their total to 35. Olayinka’s contributions were crucial in maintaining this dominance. Despite a challenging start, he found his form and ended the season with an impressive record of eleven goals and four assists in 35 league games.
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Exclusive Club of Successful Super Eagles Stars
Peter Olayinka’s achievements with Red Star Belgrade place him in an exclusive category of successful Nigerian footballers. Alongside Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, Olayinka has won two major trophies this season, highlighting the impressive contributions of Super Eagles players in European football.
From Slavia Prague to Red Star Belgrade
Olayinka’s journey to Red Star began after five fruitful seasons with Slavia Prague, where he registered 66 goal involvements in 169 appearances. His tenure at Slavia was marked by multiple titles, including the Czech First League and Czech Cup during the 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 seasons. His free transfer to Red Star was seen as a significant step forward in his career.
Versatility and Impact
Known for his versatility, Olayinka has proven his ability to play as a winger, attacking midfielder, or striker. This adaptability has made him a valuable asset to Red Star Belgrade, contributing to goals and overall team dynamics. This season’s performance underscores his importance to the team and his potential to continue making a significant impact.
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Looking Forward
Reflecting on his successful season, Olayinka expressed gratitude for overcoming initial challenges and adapting to a new league. “Coming to Serbia was a major decision I had to make in my career. It was difficult adjusting within the first few matches, but I am grateful to God for how the journey has been so far.”
As Red Star Belgrade looks forward to the next season, including their participation in the UEFA Champions League, Olayinka’s experience and form will be crucial. His first season in Serbia has been a personal triumph and a testament to the quality and resilience of Nigerian footballers abroad.
Peter Olayinka’s success with Red Star Belgrade is a proud moment for Nigerian football. It showcases the talents and achievements of Super Eagles players on the international stage. As he continues to excel, fans and analysts will watch to see how he further shapes his career and contributes to his team’s future victories.