Salim Lawal set to join Qarabağ FK

Nigeria national team forward Salim Lawal is reportedly set to join Azeri giants Qarabağ FK from Croatian club NK Istra during the January transfer window.

 

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​According to reports, Qarabağ has agreed to a deal worth €2m for Lawal, with the transfer expected to be finalized in the coming days. The 23-year-old originally joined NK Istra from Mavlon Academy in August 2023.

​Lawal has been in impressive form for NK Istra this season, recording five goals and two assists in nineteen appearances across all competitions.

​The forward was a member of the Super Eagles squad in the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he made one appearance during the tournament as Nigeria finished third. He also represented Nigeria at the U-20 level earlier in his career.