18-year-old Nigerian youngster swaps Abuja side for French club in shock Ligue 1 transfer

Amos Ochoche swells the number of Nigerians now in Ligue 1.

18-year-old Nigerian youngster swaps Abuja side for French club in shock Ligue 1 transfer

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 02:19 - 03.08.2024

The talented Nigerian star has swapped the Nigeria National League, NNL, for one of Europe's top five leagues, Ligue 1.

Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims have confirmed the surprise signing of Nigerian youngster Amos Ochoche from Abuja-based side Sporting Supreme.

The move has not only caught Nigerians by surprise but has left them in shock after the French side unveiled the latest Nigerian to join the French Ligue 1.

Nigerian youngster moves to Ligue 1

Ochoche, a defender who plays at right-back, has already put pen to paper on a two-year deal that will see him represent Reims until the summer of 2026.

“Amos Ochoche, 18 years old, joins Stade de Reims,” the club said in a statement on their website.

Amos Ochoche signing his contract at Reims. (Photo Credit: Reims/X)
Amos Ochoche signing his contract at Reims. (Photo Credit: Reims/X)

Here are what Nigerians had to say about the shock transfer:

"Massive growth"

"I have only one advice for you: Remember where you're coming from. Steer clear of women. Remember Akinkunmi Amoo."

Ochoche has penned a two-year deal with Reims. (Photo Credit: Reims/X)
Ochoche has penned a two-year deal with Reims. (Photo Credit: Reims/X)

"Wow! This is massive. Let's continue giving our league the PR it truly deserves"

"Our league don Dey get attention"

Ochoche's move follows Ayodele's transfer

Ochoche's move to Reims is the latest following the potential transfer of another youngster from the Nigeria National League, Adeshina Ibrahim Ayodele.

French club Lille have secured the signing of the highly-rated Nigerian prospect from the esteemed Beyond Limits Football Academy in Ikenne.

Ibrahim Ayodele of Beyond Limits is Lille bound.
Ibrahim Ayodele of Beyond Limits is Lille bound.

The 18-year-old, also born in 2006, has been the subject of intense interest from several top European clubs.

Likes of Belgian giants Anderlecht and teams in the Netherlands have been keeping tabs on the talented youngster.

NNL champions Beyond Limits.

However, Lille have managed to fend off the competition to bring the youngster to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Meanwhile, after only six months in the Eredivisie, Super Eagles-eligible forward Chuba Akpom is being linked with a move away from Ajax with French side Lille reportedly picking up interest in the striker.

Chuba Akpom celebrate one of his goals for Ajax. (Photo Credit: Ajax/X)

Akpom, who only just joined Ajax in the summer, has emerged as a potential target for Lille as they look to address their need for additional firepower in the January transfer window.

Despite limited game time, the 28-year-old scored 11 goals and provided three assists in just eight starts for the Dutch giants.

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