Rafiu Durosinmi was the star of the show as Viktoria Plzen sealed their spot in the Europa League knockout stage with a comfortable victory.
Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi delivered a standout performance for Viktoria Plzen, scoring twice in their commanding 3-0 victory over Ferencváros to secure a spot in the Europa League Round of 16.
However, despite his heroics, Plzen coach Miroslav Koubek tempered the praise by pointing out areas where the 22-year-old still needs to improve.
 "'We won't complain' - 73-year-old coach tells Nigerian youngster Durosinmi what to do despite UEL heroics 1")
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 "'We won't complain' - 73-year-old coach tells Nigerian youngster Durosinmi what to do despite UEL heroics 2")
Unfortunately for the new Viktoria Plzen forward, the Czech champions are already out of the 2022/23 Champions League having lost all six of their Group C matches last year.
Durosinmi’s brace was crucial in overturning a first-leg deficit, helping Plzen progress with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
His first goal showed his poacher’s instinct as he scrambled a deflected header over the line following a corner kick. He then capped off his performance with a clinical finish after connecting with a low cross from teammate Pavel Sulc.
Durosinmi netted his first and second goals in Europe.
Speaking after the match, Koubek acknowledged Durosinmi’s natural goal-scoring ability but noted that the Nigerian still needs to develop other aspects of his game:
“Rafiu is excellent in the box. He has a goal instinct; he knows how to find the right place and get to the ball,” he said per the club’s website.
Durosinmi and his Plzen teammates.
“However, his lack in the middle game and combination component is still visible. He is far from being at his top level yet. But if he scores two goals in 60 minutes of play, we definitely won’t complain.”
The Nigerian forward’s return to form comes after overcoming a long injury layoff, and he expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery:
Rafiu Durosinmi with a fantastic performance for his club.
“It has not been easy for me to return [from injury], but with the help of the doctor, my family, physio, and the team, I came back stronger,” Durosinmi told UEFA.com.
With Viktoria Plzen now unbeaten in 21 home knockout matches since November 2022, Durosinmi’s contributions will be vital as they prepare for tougher challenges in the Europa League.
Viktoria Plzen coach Miroslav Koubek says Durosinmi has work to do to improve his game.
Meanwhile, Durosinmi and his Plzen teammates will face his compatriot Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s Lazio in the Europa League round of 16.
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