Former Golden Eaglets captain Simon Cletus was included in a Rijeka matchday squad for the first time on Wednesday evening, during their Croatian Football League clash against Varazdin, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

In February 2026, the promising midfielder signed a deal with the reigning Croatian champions. 

Rijeka were investing in the future by signing Cletus as he began his career with the club in the U19 team to help him adapt to the club's style of play.

Cletus made the move to Rijeka from Mavlon FC, a respected Nigerian academy that has increasingly become a key source of talent for European clubs. 

Super Eagles forward Salim Fago Lawal and Nigeria U20 international Charles Agada are both products of Mavlon FC.

Rijeka suffered a 1–0 defeat to Varazdin, with Luka Mamić converting the decisive penalty in the 54th minute, while Cletus remained on the bench throughout the match.

Had he been introduced, it would have marked his professional debut, wearing the number 3 on the back of his jersey. 

Described as a modern day midfielder, Cletus was a member of the Flying Eagles squad at the 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, where he featured in games against Kenya and Senegal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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