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With a statement on the official website, French club Stade de Reims have announced the signing of Nigerian defensive midfielder John Otomewo from Israeli top-flight side Hapoel Jerusalem. The 19-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Rouge & Blanc, keeping him at the club until 2031 as Reims continue their strategy of developing young talents. Otomewo began his professional career at the age of 17 with Nigerian second-division club Abia Comets FC before joining Gombe United in 2025, where he continued his progress in the country’s top flight. The highly-rated midfielder later moved to Israel and joined Hapoel Jerusalem, quickly becoming an important figure in the first-team squad. Since his arrival, he has started more than 90 per cent of his side’s matches, attracting interest from several European clubs. His performances have also earned recognition from the CIES Football Observatory, which ranked him among the top three U21 midfielders playing outside Europe’s five major leagues. Stade de Reims believe Otomewo represents another promising addition to their squad and will provide him with an ideal environment to continue his development in Europe. He will also have the support of compatriot Hafiz Ibrahim as he begins his new chapter in France. Wale Adejumo