One of Nigeria’s brightest emerging football talents, Simon Cletus, has completed a move to Croatian top-flight side HNK Rijeka, marking a major step in his promising career.

 

The 18-year-old midfielder, who captained Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets under the guidance of Manu Garba, signed a three-year contract with the European club. Cletus is expected to play a key role in Rijeka’s U-19 team as he continues his development on the continental stage.

 

Cletus first caught national attention as an SS1 student of Palm Ville College in Lagos, where his leadership qualities and technical brilliance stood out. Gifted with visionary passing, silky dribbling skills, and a keen eye for goal, he quickly established himself as one of the most enterprising midfielders at youth level in Nigeria.

 

He led the Golden Eaglets to a bronze medal finish at the 2024 WAFU B U-17 Championship in Accra, Ghana — a performance that further enhanced his growing reputation as one of the country’s most exciting prospects.

 

A product of Mavlon FC of Lagos, Cletus continues the club’s growing tradition of exporting young talents to Europe. His move follows recent transfers involving Momoh Muntari to NK Istra 1961, Elisha Ephraim to CD Castellón, and Wahab Musa to Málaga CF.

 

With his combination of creativity, composure, and leadership, expectations are high that Simon Cletus will not only thrive in Croatia but also continue Nigeria’s proud tradition of producing world-class footballers for the global stage.