January 27th. The year was barely started but somewhere in Pilsen, Czechia, an eagle had landed. Braved the cold and snowy winter, Salim Fago was putting pen to paper on a bumper deal for Czech giants, Viktoria Plzeň.
Viktoria Plzeň’s new addition. Salim Fago after signing with the Czech giants
The €2.4 million move was widely celebrated back home, but it also raised the bar for Mavlon graduates. As Hector Ruiz Arroyo, CEO of HRJ Sports Management — the agency that facilitated the transfer — described it, the deal was a “motivation for every young player at Mavlon.”
“For Mavlon FC, this is a very important move,” Hector told BabaGol in an exclusive interview.
“We are happy to see the player develop and grow in his career. He also serves as a role model and a source of motivation for the younger players.”
Salim had already proven his quality long before Plzeň came calling, delivering consistently for his former club NK Istra. With seven goals in 19 league and cup appearances this season in Croatia, he established himself as a striker not to be taken lightly.
As club delegates and scouts hovered around Morocco during the AFCON tournament — where Nigeria’s national team were competing — eyes were firmly fixed on the new golden boy of Nigerian football. The stage was set, and fate did the rest.
He may not have played as much as he wanted during the tournament, despite returning home with a bronze medal, but as the noise begins to fade, the questions grow louder: can the Super Eagle rediscover the form that earned him his senior national team debut — and, more importantly, can he take Europe by storm?
For Salim, the chance to play European football was central to his decision to join Plzeň.
“Of course, playing in Europe was one of the main reasons I signed for Plzeň,” Salim told BabaGol exclusively.
“The motivation is twofold — the sporting opportunity to join a club that will offer me the best development, and the desire to participate in one of the world’s most prestigious competitions.”
Last week, he stepped onto the pitch for the first time in the blue and red stripes of Plzeň. What stood out most for the 23-year-old was the warmth of the reception.
“Making my debut with my new club was an important moment for me, just like for any player,” he said. “Feeling the strong support of the fans and experiencing the demands of a new competition was very positive.”
From Mavlon, Nigeria to Europe’s big stage — what does the future hold for Czechia’s new eagle?
Before making his European debut, Salim must first fight for his place in Martin Hyský’s side. A run of Chance Liga matches awaits, offering him the opportunity to settle, adapt, and prove his value.
If he earns that trust, the bigger test lies ahead: a Europa League knockout clash with Panathinaikos. Clear that hurdle, and the dream continues — not just for Salim Fago, but for every young player at Mavlon who now dares to believe the path to Europe is real.
From Mavlon to Plzeň. Fago, signs on the contract.
From Nigeria’s Mavlon academy to Viktoria Plzeň and the Europa League dream: Salim Fago’s journey is just beginning in Europe.