Olayinka relishes UEFA Champions League playoff vs Norwegian champions

Lifted by his brace in the previous round, Peter Olayinka has said he is upbeat ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League playoff at Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt.

Olayinka’s Red Star Belgrade smashed past Cukarcki 4-1 with the Super Eagles forward netting a brace in a third round qualifying clash Thursday.

They now battle Bodo/Glimt to qualify for the money-spinning group stage of the Champions League and the forward has been bullish about his team’s chances.

“It is certain that we have an extremely difficult task ahead of us, but I am convinced that we have the quality and that we will confirm it on the pitch,” said Olayinka.

“Bodo/Glimt are a team that play great at home and we will do everything to stop them in Norway.

“A long journey awaits us, completely different weather conditions, artificial pitch, but we have prepared for all that.

“We know that the fans will be with us, and we will do our best to make them happy with a positive result before the rematch at the Maracana.”

He said his two goals in the previous round of the competition have boosted his self-belief.

“We achieved an important victory against an excellent team from Čukarički, which will mean a lot to us before the European games in the playoffs,” he said.

“I’m happy to be back on the pitch in great shape. I feel good, I missed the matches, but I’m glad to be able to help the team again.

“I scored two goals in a short space of time and there is no doubt that it will mean a lot to me in terms of confidence.”