Man on mission: Dangerous 22-year-old Nigerian striker overcomes injury nightmare to score Europa League double

Durosinmi with his Plzen teammates. (Photo Credit: Plzen/X)

Man on mission: Dangerous 22-year-old Nigerian striker overcomes injury nightmare to score Europa League double

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 12:44 - 21.02.2025

Rafiu Durosinmi banished the ghost of his injury setback to deliver a masterclass and inspire Viktoria Plzen to a comfortable spot in the Europa League round of 16.

Nigerian youngster Rafiu Durosinmi returned from his injury setback to lead Viktoria Plzen to a comfortable spot in the Europa League round of 16.

Durosinmi starred in Plzen's 3-0 victory over Ferencváros, scoring twice and playing a big role in the third goal on Thursday night.

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Plzen were at their attacking best, scoring three goals within 12 minutes. Durosinmi produced two typically clinical finishes, starring alongside Sulc.

Ferencváros looked compact until the opening goal, but the task of coming back into the tie looks very difficult for the Hungarian side now.

Rafiu Durosinmi with a fantastic performance for his club.
Rafiu Durosinmi with a fantastic performance for his club.

The Nigerian opened the scoring in the 27th minute before playing an important role as Pavel Sulc doubled the advantage in the 35th minute.

Winning possession just outside the penalty area and shifting the ball to Vydra1. The forward then passed to Sulc inside the box, who scored. Durosinmi then scored his side’s third goal seven minutes before the break.

Durosinmi netted his first and second goals in Europe.

Reflecting on his comeback, Durosinmi told UEFA.com via Nova Sport:

"It has not been easy for me return [from injury], but with the help of the doctor, my family, physio and the team I came back stronger. [On Sunday] I scored twice in the league, today I scored again. I am really happy.”

When asked about who he prefers for their next opponent, Durosinmi told Nova Sport:

"Lazio or Bilbao? I think Bilbao because we played against them in the league stage. We have experience and we know how they play.”

Plzen are 21 games unbeaten at home in knockout matches, including the qualifiers. Manchester United are the only side to have beaten them at this stadium since November 2022.

Plzen go through after a very tactical and experienced masterclass.