Stoke City have announced their retained and released list for the 2025-2026 season, confirming the first professional contracts for Nigerian prospects Oghosaiwi Enabulele and Jayden Ogbebor, marking a significant step in their development at the Championship club. The Potters revealed the news on their official website, highlighting the progression of their youth academy players ahead of the new campaign. Enabulele, a dynamic box-to-box midfielder, joined Stoke City in summer 2024 on a scholarship deal that was set to expire in June 2026. His consistent performances across multiple competitions earned him a professional contract, reflecting the club’s confidence in his potential.
During the 2024-2025 season, Enabulele featured in the Premier League 2, U18 Premier League, Premier League Cup, and FA Youth Cup, showcasing his versatility and energy in midfield. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has drawn praise from coaching staff, positioning him as a key part of the club’s future plans. Meanwhile, Jayden Ogbebor, a centre-forward, also secured a professional contract after joining the club as a scholar in the same season. Ogbebor began his journey with Stoke City at U13 level, coming through grassroots football before rising through the ranks.
The young striker has also represented England at youth level, adding to his profile as a promising talent. He is managed by the same agency that represents several Super Eagles stars, including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Josh Maja, and Terem Moffi, which underscores his growing recognition in the football world. In addition to the two Nigerian youngsters, Stoke City have retained Republic of Ireland international Bosun Lawal, who remains eligible to represent Nigeria at the senior level. Lawal’s continued presence at the club signals his importance to the squad’s development.
Also retained are U21 players Pijus Otegbayo, Chinonso Chibueze, and Favour Fawunmi, all of whom have shown promise in their respective roles. The club’s decision to keep these players reflects a strategic focus on nurturing homegrown talent and building a sustainable future. With the new season approaching, Stoke City’s academy is set to play a crucial role in shaping the team’s long-term success. The inclusion of Nigerian talents like Enabulele and Ogbebor adds to the growing presence of Nigerian players in English football’s developmental pathways, offering hope for future national team contributions.
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