Greece Set To Hijack Nigerian Youngster

Greece Set To Hijack Nigerian Youngster

Sampson Adedeji

Greece Football Federation (EPO) is reportedly close to completing the process that will allow West Ham United U21 defender Rayan Oyebade to represent Greece at international level, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Oyebade, who was born to a Greek mother and Nigerian father, is eligible to play for both countries. 

According to reports, the 17-year-old centre-back has already indicated interest in switching allegiance to Greece, and EPO are now expected to formalize the paperwork in the coming days.

Once the process is completed, Oyebade will become available for selection to the Greece U19 team under coach Vangelis Moras.

The talented youngster joined West Ham United in 2021 and has steadily developed through the club’s youth ranks.

A strong, elegant, left-footed defender, Oyebade is known for his composure on the ball and impressive reading of the game.

He made his youth international debut for England U15, showcasing his versatility and technical quality early in his career.

During the 2023/24 season, Oyebade featured 13 times in the U18 Premier League South, scoring once and providing an assist, despite battling injuries for much of the campaign.

Now in his second year as a scholar, he has captained Lauris Coggin’s U18 side on several occasions and played a vital role in West Ham’s Premier League Cup final win at Reading.

His progress was rewarded on April 3, 2025, when he signed his first professional contract with the Hammers a testament to his growing reputation.

With Greece moving swiftly to secure his international future, Nigeria may have lost another promising defensive talent to European competition.