Stade Reims signs Nigerian teen Godwin Itotomi on loan with purchase option

Stade Reims has signed 18‑year‑old Nigerian centre‑back Godwin Itotomi on a season‑long loan from Grassrunners FC with an option to make the move permanent. Itotomi joined the French Ligue 2 side after a successful trial that saw him feature in trial matches against Paris Saint‑Germain and Eintracht Frankfurt earning a place in the reserve squad. He will begin with the club’s youth team and is expected to progress to the first team if his development continues. For Nigerian fans the move highlights a clear pathway for home‑grown talent to break into European football showing that strong performances in youth tournaments and trials can attract interest from overseas clubs. It also underscores the growing reputation of Nigerian academies such as Grassrunners as talent pipelines. What should aspiring young players take from this? Consistent performance in trials and youth competitions can open doors abroad and maintaining good rapport with academy coaches increases the chances of being recommended for overseas trials.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/04/transfer-french-club-stade-reims-snap-up-nigerian-youngster/