‘It was a bit crazy’ – Why Ojediran left RC Lens, how Colorado Rapids transformed his career

Hamzat Ojediran’s move to France once felt like the perfect next step in a young footballer’s journey, Afrik-Foot reports.

But less than two years after joining RC Lens, the Nigerian midfielder found himself searching for answers, and eventually a new beginning.

Ojediran arrived in Ligue 1 with big dreams, having worked his way up from Nigeria and then Hungary. Playing in one of Europe’s top leagues had always been part of his plan.

“When I’m in Nigeria, I saw Premier League, Spain, Ligue 1, and I said I want to go see what they do there. Sometimes negativity will come, but if you have so much positivity in your life then you’re going t commit in any way,” he told the Burgundy Wave.

His first season showed promise. He made 17 league appearances, scored once, and earned a reputation as a hardworking, ball-winning midfielder. Still, he admits things were not entirely smooth.

“The first season was good. It was a little bit crazy, but I wasn’t getting the best out of myself. The experience I gained in France, I tried to be calm now, just stay in the present moment.“

That sense of instability only grew in his second campaign. Despite a strong pre-season, Ojediran quickly slipped out of favour. He failed to make a single Ligue 1 appearance and often watched from the bench as matches passed him by.

“When I went for my second season I wasn’t prepared for what was happening over there, but I just stay positive in every situation. I had good preseason, but the season starts, management change, and so in this moment I bring positivity in my life.”

A change in coaching staff disrupted his momentum, and without regular minutes, his development stalled. For a player still learning his trade, the lack of opportunities made it clear that a move elsewhere was needed.

Ojediran: A fresh start in MLS and instant impact

That opportunity came in January 2026 when Ojediran joined Colorado Rapids. The switch to Major League Soccer offered him something he had been missing in France; trust and a clearly defined role.

Before completing the move, he held key conversations with club president Pádraig Smith and head coach Matt Wells, talks that proved decisive.

“It’s due to how the gaffer wants to play. I’m so happy to be in this environment, like if you see how we speak, everything is possible, the vibes around the club we have to keep going win or lose. When you see the role you’ve been given – with the ball, without the ball – you sacrifice for the team, you have to keep going.”

So far, the decision has paid off. Ojediran has started every match of the 2026 MLS season, quickly becoming a key figure in midfield. Known for his energy and tackling ability, qualities that earned him the nickname “The Destroyer”, he has brought balance and steel to the Rapids’ setup.

Hamzat Ojediran scores from Greeley! The bounce might have troubled the keeper. Either way, the Rapids are off and running against Bassett and the Timbers! pic.twitter.com/dSVZh5ZOim

— Burgundy Wave (@Burgundywave) February 28, 2026

He also made an early statement by scoring his first MLS goal against the Portland Timbers, a long-range effort that set the tone for a 2-0 win. With consistent minutes, improved confidence, and a clear tactical role, he looks far more settled than he did during his final months in France.

In a different environment, with belief from his coach and regular football, Ojediran is beginning to show why he was once seen as a rising talent with international potential.