Former Nigeria U-20 striker, Salim Fago Lawal, scored his first goal of the season to help NK Istra secure a 2-1 win over Osijek on Friday.
Fago, alongside his teammate Ayuma Israel, welcomed Nigerian club side Mavlon FC, who arrived in Croatia to participate in the 2024 Olea Cup U17 football tournament.
Mavlon FC, based in Abuja, will be the first Nigerian team to compete in the prestigious tournament. The club has been grouped in Group A with notable U17 teams such as GNK Dinamo, NK Istra, and FK DAC 1904.
Led by Nigeria U17 captain Simon Cletus, Mavlon will begin their campaign against NK Istra on Tuesday, followed by matches against GNK Dinamo and FK DAC 1904. The games will take place at the Hotel Olea football pitch in Novaljia, Croatia.
Salim Fago Lawal and Ayuma Israel, both playing for NK Istra, will likely not feature in the competition due to the age range.
This is the fourth edition of the tournament, with over 15 youth clubs participating.