Nigerian forward Godwin Olamide Oshagbemi has completed a move to Croatian lower-division club NK Omiš, opening a new chapter in the 20-year-old’s career in European football.
Oshagbemi arrives at the Croatian side after a stint with Benin Republic club ASVO FC, where he impressed following his move from Nigerian club Kwara United FC.
Officials at Kwara Football Academy, where the forward began his development, believe the move represents an important step in his progression.
“Of course we feel good because that’s the essence of the academy – to see young players go from the academy and find their way to Europe,” Ibrahim Jatto, head of football operations at the academy, exclusively told Footy-Africa
“We believe it is a journey for him. The destination is to see him play in the biggest leagues and some of the biggest tournaments in Europe.”
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Early leadership and rapid rise
Jatto described Oshagbemi as one of the academy’s standout talents, recalling how he joined as a young student from Iselu in Kogi State.
“Godwin is a special player. He joined our academy as a JSS1 young boy from Iselu in Kogi State,” Jatto said.
“He’s very calm and gentle, but even as a small boy we identified that he was going to be a leader. He captained our team from the Under-12s until he reached the senior team.”
The forward left the academy earlier than expected due to his development, moving to Kwara United where he broke into senior football at a young age.
According to Jatto, Oshagbemi made 32 appearances in 38 Nigeria Premier Football League matches for Kwara United as a 17-year-old.
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Versatility across the pitch
During that period, Oshagbemi demonstrated notable versatility.
He featured in four different roles across those 32 games – operating as a left-back, central midfielder, right winger and left winger.
“He is such a fantastic, special player,” Jatto added.
“His biggest attribute is his shooting. He can shoot very well and that has been his trademark. Beyond that, he scores a lot of goals.”
The academy official also noted that Oshagbemi’s best position is still evolving:
“As a young boy he played as a number 10. Growing into professional football he often plays on the left side of the attack, and sometimes even at left-back when the team is in crisis because of his versatility.”
Short-term move with summer plan
Jatto confirmed the player’s move is part of a broader development plan and that the deal is expected to be temporary.
“Godwin moved to ASVO from Kwara United, and the academy has been involved because we have been looking for a pathway so that a talent like him does not rot in Africa,” he said.
“The whole world should see what he is made of. It is a short-term contract from February to June, and he is expected to move to another club in the summer.”
The switch to Croatia marks Oshagbemi’s first step into European football as he looks to continue his development on the continent.
