Ex-Golden Eaglets’ skipper Cletus signs for Rijeka
Croatian top-flight side HNK Rijeka have completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Simon Cletus on a three-year deal, continuing the steady flow of young Nigerian talents into European football. Cletus,
Croatian top-flight side HNK Rijeka have completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Simon Cletus on a three-year deal, continuing the steady flow of young Nigerian talents into European football.
Cletus, a former captain of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets under Manu Garba, is expected to slot into Rijeka’s U-19 structure as part of the club’s long-term development plan.
The 18-year-old first came into prominence while still a student at Palm Ville College in Lagos, where his leadership qualities and technical ability stood out at youth level.
He captained the Golden Eaglets to a bronze medal finish at the 2024 WAFU B U-17 Championship in Accra, Ghana, where his composure in midfield, range of passing and eye for goal drew attention from scouts.
Known for his vision, sleek dribbling and tactical intelligence, Cletus has been described by youth coaches as one of the most enterprising midfield prospects of his generation.
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A product of Mavlon FC in Lagos, Cletus joins a growing list of academy graduates who have secured moves abroad.
In recent weeks, fellow Mavlon products Momoh Muntari (NK Istra), Elisha Ephraim (CD Castellón), and Wahab Musa (Málaga CF) have also completed transfers to Europe, underlining the academy’s expanding reputation.
Rijeka, regular contenders in Croatia’s top division and frequent participants in UEFA competitions, are known for nurturing young talents before integrating them into the senior squad or showcasing them on bigger European stages. For Cletus, the move represents both a developmental challenge and a pathway toward senior national team recognition in the future.
