Suleiman sets Nigerian teenage record in Champions League start

Slavia Prague midfielder Mubarak Suleiman has become the first Nigerian teenager to start a UEFA Champions League match since Alex Iwobi did so for Arsenal against Barcelona in March 2016. The 19-year-old reached the milestone in Slavia Prague's 2-2 draw with Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Tuesday night.

Suleiman was named in the starting line-up as Slavia Prague earned a point away from home. He remained on the pitch until the closing stages before being replaced by Pavel Kacor with five minutes remaining, as neither side could find a winning goal.

Opta Joe recorded Suleiman's appearance as the first start by a Nigerian teenager in the UEFA Champions League since Iwobi featured for Arsenal against Barcelona in March 2016. The teenager's involvement also underlined the influence he is beginning to have at club level.

He produced two key passes during the match and completed six accurate passes into the final third. Suleiman has made an encouraging start to the campaign, scoring one goal and providing one assist in eight appearances across all competitions.

His performances for Slavia Prague will now be important as he continues his development and aims to earn a return to the Nigerian national team. Suleiman had previously been expected to represent the Super Eagles in their friendly against Russia, but withdrew from the squad before the match.