Odey Departs Randers After Five Seasons — A New Chapter Awaits

Stephen Odey will leave Randers FC when his contract expires at the end of December, bringing to a close a four and a half year stay at the Danish club.

Odey originally joined Randers on loan during the 2021/22 season from KRC Genk, but a strong start — including six goals across league, European and cup competitions during autumn 2021  persuaded the club to sign him permanently.

Over his tenure, the Nigerian international struck 28 goals in 129 appearances, earning praise not only for his output on the pitch but also for his positive attitude and influence in the dressing room.

Reflecting on his time in Denmark, Odey said he enjoyed “a fantastic period with fantastic people,” paying tribute to staff, teammates, and supporters.

Before arriving at Randers, Odey made his name in Nigeria with MFM FC and later had spells with clubs including FC Zürich, Genk and Amiens SC. His next destination has yet to be announced.

Editorial

There is a subtle dignity in a parting like this no uproar, no public wrangling, just a respectful acknowledgement that after years of service, the time has come to move on. Odey’s departure from Randers feels less like a dramatic exit and more like the closing of a quiet, steady chapter.

From his arrival on loan to becoming one of the club’s more dependable forwards, Odey built a quiet legacy: not of flash and fanfare, but of consistency, hard work and professionalism. For a Nigerian talent navigating the unpredictable currents of European football, that matters deeply.

His evolution at Randers was not meteoric but it was deliberate. Goals came at regular intervals, but perhaps more importantly, so did maturity and presence. His colleagues spoke of him as a positive influence off the pitch, and that, sometimes, counts as much as what happens in front of goal.

Yet this departure also serves as a reminder of football’s transience. Clubs evolve, demands shift, and what was once regarded as essential can become expendable. Odey leaves not because he failed but because circumstances changed. For many players like him, who bridge the gap between home-grown talent and European stability, this is the harsh arithmetic of the game.

As he closes this chapter, one hopes that Odey’s next move honours the work and integrity he demonstrated in Randers that it offers space for ambition, growth, and rediscovery. For a striker who has known both promise and challenge, the next few months may be the most important of all.

Did You Know?

1. Odey’s permanent move to Randers in November 2021 reportedly made him the most expensive signing in the club’s history at the time.
2. His breakthrough at Randers began strongly his performances in autumn 2021 earned him the 3F Superliga Player of the Month award.
3. Before his stint in Denmark, Odey was the all-time top scorer for his Nigerian club MFM FC, making him one of the standout talents to emerge from the Nigerian league.
4. During this season, Odey featured in a match where his contributions helped Randers break the club’s record for most goals scored in a single Superliga season.
5. Though he made his debut for the national side, Super Eagles, in 2017, he has not been a regular fixture for Nigeria — his club performances in Denmark likely represented his best chance to force his way back into the national setup.