Premier League club West Ham United has officially announced the signing of professional contracts by two promising teenagers of Nigerian heritage—Rayan Oyebade and Lanre Awesu.
The club confirmed via its official website that both players have taken the next step in their football journeys by inking their first professional deals.
Rayan Oyebade, a defender who joined West Ham at U14 level after a successful trial, progressed through grassroots teams Broadwater Farm and Focus Football.
Now 17, Oyebade has featured prominently for the Hammers’ youth teams this season, participating in the U18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup, U18 Premier League Cup, and Premier League 2.
Hailing from North London, Oyebade previously represented England at U15 level, though he hasn’t received a call-up since 2022.
Notably, he has captained West Ham’s U18 side multiple times this season, underlining his leadership qualities on the pitch.
Lanre Awesu, whose contract was announced just days earlier, has had a unique journey to his current position.
Originally a striker wearing the number 9 jersey, he switched roles five years ago to become a goalkeeper. That bold decision has paid off—just last month, he made his competitive debut for England’s U17 side, keeping a clean sheet in a 5-0 win over Northern Ireland in a European Championship qualifier.
Interestingly, Awesu had undergone a two-month trial with Norwich City before eventually signing with West Ham.
With these signings, West Ham continues to invest in young talent, with both Oyebade and Awesu expected to play key roles in the club’s future development plans.
