A young Ogun State defender has taken the leap into European football, with Grassrunners FC captain Godwin Raphael Itotomi completing a switch to Ligue 2 side Stade de Reims.
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Nigerian youngster Godwin Raphael Itotomi has taken a significant step in his football career after completing a move to French club Stade de Reims, where he will continue his development within the club’s youth setup.
The highly rated centre back, who captained Grassrunners FC of Ogun State, has officially signed his contract with the French outfit and is expected to feature for Reims Revelations, the club’s reserve and youth development side that competes in France’s Elite reserve championship.
A Reward For Leadership At The Back
The transfer marks another milestone for the promising defender, whose leadership qualities and commanding performances at the heart of Grassrunners FC’s defence earned him recognition and opened the door to European football. He is known for his composure on the ball, strong aerial presence, tactical awareness and ability to organise a backline. Fans following Nigerian talent breaking into European academies can also check fixtures and offers via the Bet9ja promotions page. (Betting advertisement, 18+ only)
The move is expected to expose Itotomi to a higher level of competition and professional coaching as he works towards breaking into senior football, with access to world-class training facilities and a structured development pathway at Reims.
Another Boost For Ogun State Grassroots Football
For Grassrunners FC and Ogun State football, the transfer is another testament to the quality of young players being nurtured at the grassroots level, and reinforces the growing reputation of Nigerian academies in producing talent capable of earning opportunities with European clubs. Itotomi will now be aiming to adapt quickly to life in Reims, in France’s Grand Est region, as he targets a path into the club’s first team over the coming seasons.
Did You Know?
- Stade de Reims relaunched its post-formation pathway in June 2026 under the name “Reims Revelations,” splitting it into an Elite group and an Espoirs group.
- The Elite group, which Itotomi is set to join, competes in France’s national reserve championship for professional club academies.
- Past graduates of Reims’ development pathway include current France international Axel Disasi and forwards Boulaye Dia and Hugo Ekitike, both of whom have gone on to represent France’s senior side.
- Reims’ academy trains at the Stade Louis Bleriot complex in Betheny, a facility that opened in 2014 with a capacity of around 1,000 spectators.
- The club is based in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, an area historically associated with the Champagne wine industry.
- Reims’ Elite development group is overseen by Franck Chalencon, the former technical director of the club’s academy.
- Stade de Reims currently compete in France’s Ligue 2, the second tier of French professional football.
