From the 2002–03 season, Nikola finally stepped up on the big scene. He became a first team regular in Varteks and in the next 5 seasons he scored 32 goals in the domestic league only.
Nikola's rise to prominence began with his appearance in the 2002-03 season, when he became a regular member of Varteks. Over the next five seasons, he established himself as a prolific goal-scorer in the domestic league.