Michael Olaitan scores for Olympiacos

Nigerian midfielder, Michael Olaitan capped a fine performance with a simple goal as Olympiacos won 4-0 against Asteras Tripoli in the first leg of the third round of the Greek Cup on Wednesday night at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskáki.

Olaitan netted on the hour after the Asteras goalkeeper, Daniel Hernández failed to hold on to an innocuous looking cross from Anastasios Papazoglou. Hernández’s howler allowed the unmarked Olaitan to sweep home from six yards and seal a comfortable win for the Erythrolefkoi ahead of the second leg which comes up on January 22 at the Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium.

Olaitan has been in great form this season as he has also netted twice in the league from his advanced position in midfield. Solid displays by the unheralded midfielder in Europe’s premier club competition; the Uefa Champions League has seen Olympiacos progress to knockout stages where they will now meet Manchester United over two legs in the round of 16.

Olaitan however did not hit the ground running as former Nigeria Under-20 coach, John Obuh explained. “I was preparing the Nigeria Under-20 team for the 2013 Fifa World Cup in Turkey when I received information from a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) about 'a very good young Nigerian footballer' playing in Greece.

“We looked it up on his club’s (Veria) website and invited him (Olaitan) to camp. Initially, I was unimpressed with him because the other players were much better than him or so I thought.
“However, his humility and willingness to learn helped me see another side of his game and he duly made my squad to the World Cup.

“I am sure that positive attitude of listening to his coaches and trying to learn new things is helping him succeed in Greece,” Obuh exclusively told supersport.com.

Olaitan has made eight league appearances for Olympiacos who currently sit at the top of the Greek Super League standings with 52 points from 18 matches.

Culled from SuperSports!