Stade de Reims sign 18-year-old Nigerian defender 

French club Stade de Reims have announced the signing of Nigerian youngster Godwin Raphael Ototomi on a one-year loan deal ahead of the 2026–27 season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 18-year-old centre back has joined the Ligue 2 club on loan from Nigerian academy side Grassrunners FC after signing his first professional contract, with the French side also holding n option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

Godwin previously had a successful trial with Stade de Reims, before earning an opportunity to begin his professional career in Europe.

The defender impressed at the Raymond Kopa Life Centre, where he featured in friendly matches against the Paris Saint-Germain U19 side and Eintracht Frankfurt and his performances convinced the club to complete the loan move.

Godwin is now expected to continue his development with the club's youth side. However, a strong start to life in France could see him earn promotion to the senior team as Reims continue rebuilding in their bid to return to Ligue 1 after suffering relegation at the end of the 2024–25 season.

Godwin Raphael: Nigerian youngster ready for new chapter at Stade de Reims

Before his move to France, Godwin captained Grassrunners FC and enjoyed an impressive campaign in Nigeria's N-Youth League Cup.

The young defender played 1,980 minutes across 22 matches and also contributed four goals from the heart of defence.

His consistent displays attracted the attention of Stade de Reims, who invited him for a trial. After impressing during his stay, the French club quickly secured his signature on a season-long loan with an option to buy, showing their confidence in his potential.

In a statement published on the club's official website, Reims confirmed the arrival of the Nigerian youngster.

“Stade de Reims is pleased to formalize the arrival of Godwin Itotomi within Reims Révélations, in the form of a loan with an option to buy. The young 18-year-old Nigerian central defender joins the Espoirs group”, the statement read.

“After taking his classes at the Nigerian Grassrunners FC academy, Godwin Itotomi joins Reims Révélations. It provides an ideal human and infrastructural environment for his first experience on the European continent, facilitating his adaptation and allowing him to continue his development under the best conditions.

“His first steps in Red and White have already been taken. On trial for several days at the Raymond Kopa Life Centre, the powerful Nigerian central defender featured in matches against Paris Saint-Germain U19 and Eintracht Frankfurt. His convincing performances have now earned him a place in the Espoirs group.

“Welcome to the City of Coronations, Godwin!”

Godwin will now be hoping to impress during his loan spell and earn a permanent move to the French club and a successful season could also open a pathway to Stade de Reims' first team, following the path of John Otomewo, who also joined the club earlier in the summer.

That would also boost his chances of representing Nigeria at senior international level under Eric Chelle and if his development continues on its current path, the teenager has the potential to establish himself as one of Nigeria's top central defenders in the years to come.