Rafiu Durosinmi

Rising Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi has been shortlisted for the UEFA Europa League Matchday 1 Goal of the Day award after his stunning volley against Ferencváros on Thursday. 6 The 22-year-old Viktoria Plzeň forward is one of four nominees announced by UEFA, highlighting his breakout performance in the 1-1 draw.

The Goal That Lit Up Budapest

In the first half, Durosinmi received a pass on the edge of the box, shrugged off his marker with raw pace and power, then unleashed a thunderous right-footed volley into the top corner—his seventh goal in just 13 appearances this season. 6 Despite Ferencváros equalizing late with 10 men, Durosinmi’s strike gave Plzeň the lead and stole the spotlight, earning praise for its clinical finish and athleticism.

The towering 6’4″ forward, who plays with his right foot, has been a revelation since joining Plzeň from Nigeria’s Remo Stars in 2024, overcoming a prior knee injury to become a key threat in Europe. 5

Fan Vote Decides the Winner

UEFA fans will decide the victor through online voting, with the poll live now—head to UEFA’s platforms to back Durosinmi and help him claim the award. As one of Africa’s emerging talents, this nomination puts the Nigerian on the global map, following in the footsteps of stars like Victor Osimhen.