Young Nigerian centre-back Malik Owolabi-Belewu has completed a transfer to Chesterfield FC, marking his first foray into English professional football with the League Two club.
Owolabi-Belewu, 23, arrived at Chesterfield as the club’s first signing of 2026, following the expiration of his contract with Canadian Premier League side Forge FC.
The left-footed defender is known for his composure on the ball, strong positioning and ability to build play from defence — qualities that earned him over 80 appearances in Canada and interest from abroad.
Speaking after the move was confirmed, Owolabi-Belewu said he was “over the moon” to join Chesterfield and looked forward to playing in front of fans close to where his family lives.
Chesterfield will hope the Nigerian’s tactical understanding and defensive versatility boost their backline as they push through the League Two season.
Editorial
In the labyrinthine world of professional football, where journeys are shaped not only by talent but by timing and opportunity, Malik Owolabi-Belewu’s move to Chesterfield FC is a quietly compelling story of ambition meeting opportunity.
For Owolabi-Belewu, the path has been unconventional. From youth stints in England and Italy to establishing himself as a mainstay at Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, he has honed a blend of composure, technical dexterity and defensive discipline that belies his 23 years. League Two may lack the gloss of the upper tiers, but it offers a proving ground where resolve counts as much as skill a place where defenders are tested by physicality, pace and the unforgiving rhythm of the English football calendar.
His arrival at Chesterfield is more than a personal milestone it symbolizes a broader shift in how young players, especially those with international eligibility like Owolabi-Belewu, navigate the global game. There is no single pathway to prominence anymore. Some ascend through academies in Europe’s top leagues, others carve careers across continents before returning to British shores with hardened resolve.
Crucially, Chesterfield’s willingness to invest in Owolabi-Belewu reflects a recruitment philosophy attuned to potential rather than reputation alone. For the Spireites a club intent on climbing the League Two hierarchy acquiring a defender with his distribution skills and tactical nous could be a strategic masterstroke.
Yet the true test awaits beyond paperwork and press releases. It will be in the 90 minutes of League Two’s unforgiving grind, where every aerial duel, transition and clearance carries weight. If Owolabi-Belewu can translate his Canadian experience into impact on English soil, this transfer might not just mark a step forward it could signal the emergence of a player ready for greater stages.
Did You Know?
- Forge FC Champion Contributor During his time with Forge FC in Canada, Owolabi-Belewu made 87 appearances across league and continental competitions, helping the club win multiple trophies.
- International Eligibility Born in London, he is eligible to represent England or Nigeria internationally and committed his football allegiance to Nigeria in 2020.
- Youth Career Across Countries Before turning professional, Owolabi-Belewu’s youth journey included time with Toronto FC’s academy and SPAL in Italy.
- First English Club Move Though linked with Chesterfield previously, this marks his first arrival in English league football after earlier registration issues delayed the move.
- Chesterfield’s League Position As of early January 2026, Chesterfield sit in the upper half of League Two, making defensive reinforcements like Owolabi-Belewu’s addition timely for their promotion push.
