Stade de Reims sign Nigerian defender Godwin Raphael Ototomi on loan

Stade de Reims have signed 18-year-old Nigerian centre-back Godwin Raphael Ototomi on a one-year loan from Grassrunners FC ahead of the 2026-27 season, with an option to make the transfer permanent.

The Ligue 2 club confirmed the arrival of the defender on their official website, completing the move after Ototomi impressed during a successful trial in France.

Ototomi had the opportunity to showcase his ability at the Raymond Kopa Life Centre, where he played in friendly matches against Paris Saint-Germain Under-19s and Eintracht Frankfurt. His performances persuaded Reims to offer him the chance to begin his professional career in Europe.

The teenager joined the French club after signing his first professional contract with Nigerian academy side Grassrunners FC. He is expected initially to continue his development with Reims’ youth team, although a strong start could lead to involvement with the senior squad.

Reims are rebuilding after being relegated from Ligue 1 at the end of the 2024-25 season and are aiming to return to France’s top flight. Ototomi’s progress will therefore be monitored as the club attempts to develop young players while pursuing promotion.

Before moving to France, Ototomi captained Grassrunners FC and played a key role in the club’s campaign in Nigeria’s N-Youth League Cup. He made 22 appearances, completing 1,980 minutes of football, and scored four goals from central defence.

His performances attracted the attention of Stade de Reims, who invited him to France for a trial. Following his impressive displays during that period, the club moved quickly to secure him on a season-long loan, while retaining the option to sign him permanently at the end of the campaign.

Ototomi will now hope to make a positive impression during his time in France and earn a permanent move to Reims. A successful season could also provide a route into the club’s first team, following the path of John Otomewo, who joined Reims earlier in the summer.

The move could also improve Ototomi’s prospects of representing Nigeria at senior international level under manager Eric Chelle. If his development continues at its current pace, the teenager could eventually establish himself as one of Nigeria’s leading central defenders.

Reims’ decision to include an option to buy underlines their belief in Ototomi’s potential, while the loan arrangement gives the young defender the opportunity to adapt to European football and compete for a place within the club’s wider structure.