There is finally light at the end of the tunnel for the Nigeria forward Victor Olatunji, as he is on the verge of making his debut for SK Beveren when the league resumes after the international window, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
Olatunji, 27, was loaned to the Belgian side from Real Salt Lake in early September, but has been unable to feature in the league due to visa and administrative issues.
The club has now announced that the visa situation has been resolved, and they are doing everything they can to ensure the player features in their next game, having already linked up with the squad for training.
Shuaibu Umaru, who is close to the player’s entourage, told Footy-Africa that the resolution is a relief for both parties, and that Olatunji is looking forward to playing football again.
“It is not easy for any player to be in such a situation, even though it is not the fault of any of the parties involved,” he said. “Sometimes it happens like this, but the most important thing is that his visa is okay and he is looking forward to playing after the international break.”
“The player is excited, and the club is also excited, which is a good thing, because being out for a while due to administrative issues can affect anyone, but Victor is ready. I am sure he will score a lot of goals for the club, as he has done across the teams he has played for, especially Sparta Prague,” he added.
Olatunji became the first Nigerian and third African player to both score and assist on his UEFA Champions League debut, in a 3–0 win over Red Bull Salzburg on September 18, 2024.
Beveren will resume from the international break with a home game against SK Lommel on Friday, as they sit ninth on the league table with nine points from seven league games.
