By Dorcas Francis Koji
Nigerian teenage striker Abdoulaye Agbedoye has secured a move to French club Stade de Reims after an outstanding campaign with Grassrunners FC in the Nigerian youth league.
The 18-year-old forward emerged as one of Nigeria’s most exciting young attacking prospects after scoring an impressive 19 goals in 19 matches in the Nigerian Youth League Cup.
His remarkable scoring record earned him both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, attracting attention from several clubs across Europe.
Standing at 1.95 metres, Agbedoye combines considerable physical strength with a direct attacking style, qualities that have seen him draw comparisons with Manchester City and Norway striker Erling Haaland.
The teenager’s performances also earned him a place in Nigeria’s U-20 squad for the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship.
Agbedoye was part of the Flying Eagles squad that finished runners-up at the tournament after Nigeria suffered defeat to hosts Burkina Faso in the final.
His impressive form generated interest from several European clubs during the transfer window, with Premier League sides Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Brentford reportedly keeping tabs on the young striker.
A potential move to Nottingham Forest would have seen Agbedoye join fellow Nigerian Ola Aina, but the youngster ultimately opted for a move to France to continue his development.
Stade de Reims confirmed the signing on its official website, announcing that the Nigerian forward would join the club’s Espoirs Group as he begins his journey in French football.
“Stade de Reims is pleased to announce the signing of Abdoulaye Agbejoye. The 18-year-old Nigerian striker joins the Espoirs Group of Reims Révélations,” the club announced.
Reims also highlighted Agbedoye’s exceptional record in Nigeria, describing him as the best scorer and best player of the Nigerian Youth League Cup following his 19-goal campaign with Grassrunners FC.
The French club believes its development structure can provide the teenager with the right environment to improve his game and eventually make the transition to senior football.
Agbedoye will initially link up with Reims’ youth setup, where he will be expected to continue his development before pushing for a place in the first team.
His move also marks another successful transfer from Grassrunners FC to Reims this summer, with former academy teammate Raphael Itotomi Godwin having already joined the French club.
Reims will now hope Agbedoye can continue his impressive goalscoring form in France and develop into a top-level striker capable of making a major impact for both club and country.
For the teenager, the move represents a significant step in his ambition to establish himself among Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.
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