Raphael Itotomi among top 3 Nigerian signings in Stade de Reims history

French club Stade de Reims have announced the signing of Nigerian youngster Godwin Raphael Itotomi from Nigerian academy side Grassrunners FC, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 18-year-old enjoyed a successful trial with the French club, where he impressed for the U19 team. He delivered standout performances, particularly against Eintracht Frankfurt and Paris Saint-Germain, convincing the club to move ahead with a deal.

Raphael Itotomi was one of the standout players during his time at Grassrunners, enjoying an impressive campaign in the Nigeria Youth League Cup. Despite playing as a central defender, he scored four goals in 22 appearances and was a force to reckon with in his side’s backline.

According to Stade de Reims’ official website, the defender has joined the club on an initial one-year loan deal for the 2026-27 season. The agreement also includes an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the campaign if certain performance-related conditions are met.

With Itotomi set to begin a new chapter of his career in France, Afrik-Foot looks at the three biggest Nigerian signings in the history of Stade de Reims.

Where does Raphael Itotomi rank among Nigeria’s biggest arrivals at Stade de Reims?

1. John Otomewo

Nigerian midfielder John Otomewo joined Stade de Reims earlier this summer in a record-breaking transfer from Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Jerusalem. The move made him the biggest sale in the history of the Jerusalem-based club.

Otomewo established himself as one of the club’s brightest young talents during his time in Israel and is now expected to continue that progress in France.

Having only moved abroad in 2025, the midfielder has earned another major transfer just a year later, highlighting his rapid rise. He will be hoping to impress at Reims and eventually earn a call-up to the Super Eagles under head coach Eric Chelle.

2. Raphael Itotomi

Stade de Reims’ latest Nigerian signing, Raphael Itotomi takes second place on this list.

The highly rated 18-year-old centre back has joined the club on an initial season-long loan deal, with Reims holding an option to make the transfer permanent if he performs well during the campaign.

Itotomi is expected to begin with the club’s youth team, although strong performances could earn him promotion to the senior squad.

The youngster impressed throughout his trial period and has now secured the opportunity to continue his development in France.

3. Hafiz Umar Ibrahim

Hafiz Umar Ibrahim has enjoyed the most successful spell of any Nigerian player at Stade de Reims so far.

The Nigerian youngster previously had a trial with Chelsea during the summer of 2024, but a move failed to materialize. He signed for Reims instead, where he also began with the club’s youth team before earning promotion to the senior squad and his performances eventually earned him a long-term permanent contract.

Ibrahim’s most memorable moment in a Reims shirt came during the 2025 Coupe de France semi-final against Cannes. He scored one goal and provided one assist in the 2-1 victory to send his side into the final.

Although Reims were beaten 3-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the final, Ibrahim’s display in the semi-final remains one of the standout moments by a Nigerian player in the club’s history.