Super Eagles striker Peter Olayinka is celebrating winning the Serbian League title with Red Star Belgrade after a 2-1 win over TSC Backa Topola that secured the championship for the capital club.
This is Olayinka's first league title with Red Star since his move from Czech Republic side Slavia Prague in July 2023.
The versatile player, who can also play as a winger, scored a crucial goal in the 2-1 Championship Round win over TSC, handing Red Star the title ahead of city rivals Partizan Belgrade.
Who is Peter Olayinka, and has he represented the Super Eagles?
Olayinka's journey began not on the manicured pitches of Europe, but in the heart of Nigeria. He was well-known within the Nigerian grassrots system before he got a break and started his professional journey with Bylis in Albania's Kategoria Superiore in 2012.
After honing his skills in the Albanian league, Olayinka embarked on a series of loan spells, showcasing his talent in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League with Gent and Zulte Waregem.
A turning point came in 2016 when Olayinka secured a loan move to Czech club Dukla Prague. This proved to be a springboard, as his impressive performances caught the eye of Slavia Prague, a Czech powerhouse.
In 2018, Olayinka signed permanently for Slavia, and it was here that his career truly flourished.
During his four-year stint at Slavia Prague, Olayinka established himself as a key player, contributing significantly to the club's success.
He helped them win several Czech First League titles and even featured in the UEFA Europa League group stages, showcasing his skills on a bigger stage.
Olayinka's talent also earned him recognition on the international stage. He debuted for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, in 2019 and was part of the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
While yet to score for his national team in four games played so far, his club performances continue to impress.
In July 2023, Olayinka embarked on a new challenge, joining Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade.
In just his first season, he has been able to deliver the title for Red Star Belgrade against their bitter rivals Partizan Belgrade.
Performance this season for Red Star
Peter Olayinka has been ever-present for Red Star this season, chalking up 10 goals in 39 matches across all competitions with five assists.
In the Serbian Superliga, he played 29 games and scored eight goals with four assists, but failed to score in any of Red Star's five Champions League games.
The Nigerian striker scored a goal in two games in the Serbian Cup, while in the Championship Round, he netted one in three games, which was enough to secure the title for his team.
