Blackpool FC have announced their retained and released list following the conclusion of the 2024–2025 season, with Nigerian-eligible midfielder Josh Onomah set to depart the club when his contract expires on June 30, 2025. The Tottenham Hotspur academy product made 18 appearances for the Seasiders this season, contributing one goal and one assist.
Onomah, who previously played for Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Fulham, and Preston North End, will now look for new opportunities as he leaves Bloomfield Road. During his time at Spurs, Onomah played 32 matches, including 13 in the Premier League.
Additionally, Odeluga Offiah, who was on loan at Blackpool, will return to his parent club, Brighton & Hove Albion. The versatile defender started 40 out of 46 matches in the English third tier and has made ten senior appearances for the Seagulls since joining them from Bromley in 2017.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Nigerian centre-back Johnson Opawole has been offered a professional contract by Blackpool. He is expected to join the squad for pre-season training if contract terms are agreed. Opawole is yet to make his first-team debut but is highly rated within the club’s youth setup.
Editorial
Football is a game of opportunity and timing, and Blackpool’s latest decisions reflect the harsh realities of professional sport. For Josh Onomah, the end of his stint at Bloomfield Road marks another crossroads in his career a chance to reset and find a new challenge. His journey from Tottenham Hotspur’s promising academy graduate to a seasoned campaigner now sees him searching for his next chapter.
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Meanwhile, Odeluga Offiah’s return to Brighton signifies potential growth for a player who has shown promise. Starting 40 games in a competitive league like League One is no small feat, and his development will be crucial for the Seagulls going forward.
For Johnson Opawole, the offer of a professional contract is the first step toward living out his dreams. While the road to the first team is tough, the opportunity is now firmly in his hands. For these young Nigerians, the journey continues, and the world is watching.
Did You Know?
- Josh Onomah won the FIFA U20 World Cup with England in 2017, playing alongside the likes of Dominic Solanke and Fikayo Tomori.
- Odeluga Offiah is the nephew of British rugby league legend Martin Offiah, widely considered one of the sport’s greatest players.
- Johnson Opawole captained Blackpool’s U18 team before being offered his first professional contract.
- Onomah has played under some of England’s top managers, including Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and Steve Bruce at Aston Villa.
- Offiah once trained with Brighton’s first team during their Premier League pre-season tour in 2022, earning praise for his composure and versatility.
