Dover Athletic’s leading scorer George Nikaj leaves for National League South rivals Dorking Wanderers on 23rd birthday after 15-goal campaign

Dover’s top scorer George Nikaj has left for a National League South rival.

The news of forward Nikaj’s switch to beaten 2025/26 season play-off semi-finalists Dorking Wanderers was confirmed on his 23rd birthday on Friday.

Nikaj made his Dover debut in the club’s 2021/22 National League season that ended in relegation.

While with Whites, the academy product enjoyed a two-month loan spell at Isthmian South East Ashford United where he netted nine times.

He was awarded the Golden Boot in the 2024/25 season as he scored 25 goals for Dover in all competitions on their way to Isthmian Premier promotion through the play-offs under boss Jake Leberl and No.2 Mike Sandmann before he accumulated 15 National League South goals last time out, including braces against AFC Totton, Chelmsford City and in a season-ending 2-2 draw with Chesham United.

Nikaj made more than 150 first-team appearances and helped Whites end seven points clear of relegation on their National League South return.

Nikaj wrote on social media: “It’s [been] a tough decision to make, but I want to start by thanking Mike and Jake for having my back at a time that I needed it the most.

“Thank you to my team-mates for making my experience at Dover so enjoyable. [I have] loved every minute of sharing the changing room with these boys, made some friends for life.

“I also want to say thank you to the fans for always believing in me and singing my name at every match.

“It meant a lot to me and my family, and I’m grateful for everything this amazing club has done for me.

“I wish the club nothing but success in the future - blessed to have played for my boyhood club for the last five years.”

His new team, led by Marc White, finished fourth and beat Maidenhead 2-0 in a