Buruj FC academy product, Noah Abolaji Salaudeen, produced a standout performance on Sunday, netting a memorable brace and dedicating both goals to his father in VJFM Fortuna’s exhilarating 4–3 victory over Vilniaus BFA B in the Lithuanian II Lyga B Division.
The match, held at the LFF Kaunas Training Center Stadium, began at a frenetic pace. Fortuna asserted early dominance, with Justas Česnavičius opening the scoring in just the 2nd minute. Noah Abolaji Salaudeen doubled the lead three minutes later with a calm, clinical finish.
Česnavičius struck again in the 11th minute to make it 3–0, assisted by Noah Abolaji Salaudeen giving the hosts a commanding lead inside the opening quarter of an hour.
Vilniaus BFA B pulled one back in the 32nd minute through Justas Vareika, assisted by Nigerian midfielder, Rafiu Babatunde Kazeem. However, just before halftime, Salaudeen restored Fortuna’s three-goal cushion with his second goal of the game—a composed strike in the 44th minute that capped a dominant first-half performance.
The visitors launched a spirited second-half comeback, with Artur Stoliarčik and Rapolas Pikelis converting penalties in the 47th and 54th minutes, respectively. Despite the mounting pressure, Fortuna held firm to secure all three points.
Speaking after the match, Salaudeen said, “I dedicated my goals to my dad for Father’s Day,” paying tribute to Dr. Waheed Buruj Salaudeen, who introduced him to football at an early age and has been instrumental in his journey.
The game was officiated by Irmantas Kaprašovas, with Mantas Sazonas and Vytenis Kazlauskas serving as assistant referees.
Noah Abolaji Salaudeen’s impressive display further cements his rising profile in European football, drawing increasing interest from scouts ahead of the 2025/26 summer transfer window.
A pacey and technically gifted winger, Noah Abolaji Salaudeen developed his game at Lagos-based Buruj FC, where he benefited from structured training and mentorship. Since moving to Lithuania, he has adapted swiftly to the European style of play and is quickly emerging as one of the II Lyga’s most exciting young talents.
With his form, confidence, and momentum building, Abolaji Noah Salaudeen appears poised for the next step in his career—potentially a move to a higher-tier European league.
