Former Werder Bremen striker Anthony Ujah has backed Salim Fago Lawal to succeed at Viktoria Plzeň following the Nigerian forward’s move from Croatian side NK Istra 1961, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lawal recently completed a switch to the Czech First League club on a three-and-a-half-year contract, with the deal understood to be worth a guaranteed €2.4 million, potentially rising to €3 million in add-ons
The fee is said to represent a record sale for NK Istra 1961.
Ex-Werder Bremen striker on Lawal's move
Exclusively speaking to Soccernet.ng on Lawal’s transfer, the former Super Eagles forward described the move as a crucial step in the striker’s development and insisted the size of the transfer fee shows how highly he is rated.
“Salim’s move is the right step for his development. The price associated with his transfer shows his worth,” Ujah told Soccernet.ng.
“The expectation is quite high—as I mentioned, the price tag makes a statement. So he will have to live up to those expectations, but I have no doubt Salim will make a difference at his new club.”
Speaking further, the ex-Mainz striker spoke on Lawal’s resilience during his time in Croatia, pointing to how the forward overcame early struggles to become one of NK Istra’s most important players.
“He showed this at NK Istra. He had a difficult start, but he fought his way through and became one of the most important players in the squad,” he added.
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Lawal's breakthrough to Viktoria Plzeň Opportunity
Lawal scored 15 goals and provided two assists during his spell with NK Istra, performances that earned him a move to Viktoria Plzeň, where he is expected to replace Rafiu Durosinmi, who joined Italian side Pisa.
The former Mavlon FC forward is capable of playing as a central striker or on either wing. He will wear the number 70 shirt at his new club and is expected to be available for selection immediately.
Lawal rose to prominence after impressing for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, before earning a place in the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished third.
He made his senior international debut against Uganda and also featured in Nigeria’s pre-tournament friendly against Egypt.
