Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has a new injury worry after young striker Salim Fago Lawal was forced off during Viktoria Plzeň’s match against Hradec Králové.
The 23-year-old Nigerian started the game at Malšovická Aréna, with Viktoria Plzeň coming into the match as clear favourites. The team controlled most of the early play but had to wait until the 44th minute to take the lead.
Lawal scored the opening goal with a calm and impressive finish. Using his pace, he beat his defender to a long through pass and gently lifted the ball over the goalkeeper from outside the box.
Viktoria Plzeň went on to win the match 3–0, with Cheick Souaré and Tomáš Ladra adding two more goals.
However, the game did not end well for Lawal. He was taken off in the 63rd minute after appearing to struggle with an injury.
The full details of the injury are not yet known, but it could be a setback for the striker, whose career has been rising quickly since he moved from Croatian club NK Istra last year.
Lawal recently joined the Super Eagles squad and was part of the team that finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Spending a long time out injured could slow his progress as he tries to build his reputation internationally.
The forward only recently began his international journey, receiving his first national team call-up for AFCON, where he had limited playing time.
With strong competition in Nigeria’s attack, Lawal may still need time before becoming a regular starter. Coach Chelle will be hoping the injury is not serious so the young striker can continue his development and remain available for upcoming national team matches.
