Salim Fago Lawal Set for Big-Money Exit from NK Istra After AFCON Breakthrough
Nigeria international Salim Fago Lawal is on the verge of sealing a lucrative move away from Croatian side NK Istra 1961 after attracting strong interest from a cash-rich Central European club, with negotiations already at an advanced stage and a deal expected in the coming days, reports gathered by Nigeriasoccernet.com.
The transfer fee for the Super Eagles youngster is believed to be capable of rising beyond the €2 million mark, a sizeable figure for a player who only arrived in Croatia 18 months ago. Although the buying club has not been officially confirmed, Transfermarkt links the move to Azerbaijani champions Qaraba? FK, regular participants in European competitions who have been making headlines on the continental stage. Their recent UEFA Champions League exploits, including a 3–2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday night, underline both their ambition and financial strength. Lawal reportedly fits the profile of the dynamic, high-upside attackers Qaraba? are eager to add to their squad.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in Croatia, emerging as one of the league’s standout performers. He has scored five league goals and registered two assists in 17 appearances for Istra, while also netting twice in two matches in the Croatian Cup. His pace, direct attacking style, and growing composure in front of goal have made him one of the most exciting young forwards in the league and a valuable asset for a club known for developing and selling talent.
Lawal’s rise has been rapid. Only weeks ago, his inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came as a surprise, as he edged out more established forwards for a place in the team. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle handed him his senior debut in a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt in Cairo, before relying mainly on more experienced options during the competition.
Even so, Lawal still played his part in Nigeria’s AFCON journey. He was the Super Eagles’ third-youngest player at the tournament and made his AFCON debut in the group-stage victory over Uganda, coming on late in a rotated side. He eventually collected a bronze medal as Nigeria defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff.
Back in Croatia, the forward wasted no time showing the impact of his international experience, scoring on his return to domestic action despite Istra’s 2–1 defeat to Rijeka. Having joined NK Istra in August 2023 straight from Nigerian academy side Mavlon FC, Lawal’s impending transfer now appears to be the next logical step in a career that continues to accelerate at remarkable speed.
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