Promising Nigerian midfielder Mubarak Suleiman has enjoyed a remarkable week at Slavia Prague, scoring in his third consecutive UEFA Youth League match before making his senior debut for the Czech Chance Liga giants.

Benfica manager José Mourinho was in attendance at last Wednesday's UEFA Youth League play-off tie at Benfica’s academy, where the renowned coach was likely to have taken note of the 18-year-old Nigerian, who scored a brace but could not prevent his side from losing 3–2.

Suleiman opened the scoring after 12 minutes with a superb strike from just outside the penalty area and restored his side's lead in the 55th minute, producing excellent footwork to beat two Benfica defenders before slotting home.

On Saturday, he came off the bench to mark his senior debut with a goal as Slavia Prague thrashed FK Mladá Boleslav 4-0 on matchday 21 of the Chance Liga.

When asked by Slavia Prague’s media team if he was aware that José Mourinho was in attendance, Suleiman replied: "Honestly, no. I only found out after the match, actually after arriving in Prague.

“Anyway, I was happy with my performance, even though the result wasn’t ideal for us… We had a few good chances to equalize towards the end. It’s a shame."

Suleiman notched an impressive five goals in six UEFA Youth League appearances, including notable strikes against Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel