Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids has officially strengthened its midfield with the acquisition of Nigerian powerhouse Hamzat Ojediran from French Ligue 1 leaders RC Lens. The 22-year-old defensive specialist joins the Denver-based club on a guaranteed three-year contract that secures his services through the 2028-29 season, with the Rapids maintaining exclusive options to extend the agreement for an additional two years. The trans-Atlantic deal involves a transfer fee of approximately €3 million, signaling a significant investment by the MLS franchise as they build their roster under the guidance of new head coach Matt Wells.
Ojediran arrives in North America with substantial European pedigree, having spent the previous two seasons competing in the top tier of French football. During his tenure at RC Lens, the former Nigeria youth international made 17 first-team appearances and notably found the back of the net in a Ligue 1 fixture against Nantes. Before his stint in France, the Lagos-born midfielder honed his skills in Albania with KF Egnatia and in Hungary with Debreceni VSC, where he established a reputation for his elite physical presence and ability to disrupt opposition counter-attacks.
Rapids President Pádraig Smith expressed immense enthusiasm for the new signing, noting that Ojediran’s defensive discipline and explosiveness make him a perfect tactical fit for the club’s evolving system. The coaching staff expects the young Nigerian to occupy an international roster slot and serve as a cornerstone of the midfield unit for several years. His previous experience at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup further underscores the high ceiling and competitive mentality he brings to the Major League Soccer stage.
The Nigerian midfielder will formally integrate into the Colorado squad as soon as he completes the processing of his P-1 visa and international transfer clearance. His arrival coincides with the Rapids’ preparations for the 2026 MLS campaign, which kicks off in February against the Seattle Sounders. Supporters at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park anticipate a robust contribution from Ojediran as the team aims to impose a more dominant and physically imposing style of play throughout the new season.
“We’re excited to bring a player of Hamzat’s caliber into our group,” Rapids president Pádraig Smith said. “He brings outstanding physical presence, defensive discipline and explosiveness to our midfield. He’s an ideal fit for Matt’s [Wells, head coach] system and is motivated and hungry to continue his own development and contribute to our success.”
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