Former Nigeria youth international Hamzat Ojediran has completed a surprise move to Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids after leaving French club RC Lens.
In an exclusive chat with Footy-Africa, Ojediran’s representatives from Dukasports revealed that Colorado Rapids’ long-term vision convinced them the move to the United States was the right step at this stage of his career.
“We felt that at this time, Colorado Rapids were the best fit for the player because he needs to be back on the pitch and playing regularly,” the agency exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“The project Colorado Rapids presented for Hamzat convinced us to move to MLS. The club is ambitious and has big plans for the coming seasons, just like Hamzat himself. The newly appointed coach, Matt Wells, who arrived from Tottenham Hotspur, wants to give Hamzat one of the main roles in the team. Hamzat is a born leader and is ready for a new challenge,” the agency added.
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Dukasports also disclosed that the Nigerian defensive midfielder was signed for a fee of $3 million and expressed confidence that the move will help accelerate his development and international prospects.
“The transfer fee was $3 million, and we strongly believe Hamzat will develop under a coach with extensive Premier League experience. This will prepare him for a return to the top European leagues and, without doubt, make him one of the key players for the Super Eagles in the future,” the agency stated.
Ojediran joined Lens ahead of the 2023/24 season from Hungarian outfit Debreceni and was initially tipped to make a strong impact in Ligue 1. However, after a promising start, an injury setback and a subsequent dip in form saw the midfielder slide down the pecking order.
This season, the 22-year-old became a peripheral member of the squad, and it soon became clear that a move away from the club was on the cards. While potential deals in Belgium and Hungary were explored, MLS side Colorado Rapids eventually won the race for his signature.
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Ojediran was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, where he stood out as one of the Golden Eaglets’ most impressive performers.
