Kelede Nathan Oduwa (born 5 March 1996) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger. He has represented England at the under-17, under-18, and under-20 levels,[3] and Nigeria at the under-23 level.

Nathan Oduwa
Oduwa in 2015
Personal information
Full name Kelade Nathan Oduwa[1]
Date of birth (1996-03-05) 5 March 1996 (age 28)[1]
Place of birth Bloomsbury, England
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.89 m)[2]
Position(s) Winger
Youth career
2007–2013 Tottenham Hotspur
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2013–2017 Tottenham Hotspur 0 (0)
2015Luton Town (loan) 11 (0)
2015–2016Rangers (loan) 15 (1)
2016Colchester United (loan) 2 (0)
2016–2017Peterborough United (loan) 6 (0)
2017–2018 Olimpija Ljubljana 22 (2)
2018 Vejle Boldklub 3 (0)
2019 Hapoel Hadera 13 (1)
2020 Dundalk 10 (0)
2022 Shamakhi 11 (0)
2022–2023 Turan Tovuz 28 (5)
2024– Chungbuk Cheongju 10 (2)
International career
2012 England U17 7 (0)
2014 England U18 2 (0)
2015 England U20 3 (0)
2016 Nigeria U23 4 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 10:09, 24 July 2024 (UTC)

Club career

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Tottenham Hotspur

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Born in Bloomsbury, Greater London,[1] Oduwa joined Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 11 and progressed through the club's youth system, signing his first professional contract in July 2012.[4] He played for the club's under-18 team, making 24 appearances and scoring 10 goals during the 2013–14 season.[4] Oduwa was promoted to the under-21 team for the subsequent season, scoring four goals.[4]

On 2 February 2015, Oduwa joined League Two club Luton Town on loan until the end of the 2014–15 season.[5] He made his Football League debut on 7 February as a 59th-minute substitute for Shaun Whalley in a 1–1 draw with Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.[6] He completed the loan spell with 11 appearances for Luton, eight of which came as a substitute.[7]

On 13 August 2015, Oduwa, alongside Spurs teammate, Dominic Ball, signed for Scottish Championship club Rangers on season-long loans.[8][9] He debuted three days later as a 61st-minute substitute for Barrie McKay in a 5–1 away win over Alloa Athletic.[10][11] During the match, he sparked controversy by performing a rainbow flick, which an Alloa defender called "disrespectful".[12] Oduwa scored his first goal for the Ibrox club in a 4–0 home win over Dumbarton on 1 December.[13] By late October, he had managed four assists,[14] as well as winning several penalties. However, as Rangers sought more permanent options in Oduwa's position, his loan spell was cut short, and he returned to Tottenham Hotspur on 17 January 2016.[15]

On 26 February 2016, Oduwa signed for League One club Colchester United on a one-month loan.[16] He made only two appearances for the club, both of which were as a substitute.[17]

On 31 August 2016, Oduwa joined League One club Peterborough United on loan until 2 January 2017.[18] He made his debut for the club in a 2–2 draw at home to Swindon Town on 3 September.[19] Peterborough manager Grant McCann confirmed that Oduwa returned to Tottenham on 1 January, having made nine substitute appearances.[19][20]

Olimpija Ljubljana

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On 14 February 2017, Oduwa signed for Slovenian PrvaLiga club Olimpija Ljubljana on a three-year contract.[21] He debuted on 25 February in a 1–0 defeat away to Maribor.[22] Oduwa left the club on 22 July 2018, after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.[23]

Vejle Boldklub

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On 28 September 2018, Vejle Boldklub announced the signing of Oduwa on a three-year contract.[24] On 17 December 2018, Vejle and Oduwa agreed to terminate the players contract before time.[25]

Hapoel Hadera

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On 30 January 2019, Oduwa signed for the Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Hadera.[26]

Dundalk

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On 10 March 2020, Oduwa signed for League of Ireland Premier Division champions Dundalk.[27][28]

Shamakhi

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On 3 February 2022, Azerbaijan Premier League club Keşla announced the signing of Oduwa on a contract until the end of the 2021–22 season.[29] On 6 April 2022, Keşla FK changed their name to Shamakhi FK.[30]

Turan Tovuz

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On 30 June 2023, Turan Tovuz announced the departure of Oduwa after his contract had expired.[31]

Chungbuk Cheongju

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On 15 January 2024, K League 2 club Chungbuk Cheongju announced the signing of Oduwa.[32] In July 2024, Oduwa left the club after 11 appearances in all competitions.[33]

International career

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Oduwa has represented England at multiple youth levels. In September 2015, he was named in the England U20 squad.[34]

On 24 March 2016, Oduwa debuted for Nigeria U23 in a friendly match against Brazil U23, where he replaced Imoh Ezekiel in the final minutes of the match.[35] Oduwa was part of Nigeria U23 team at the Suwon Invitational Tournament in preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympics.[36][37]

Style of play

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Oduwa mainly plays as a left winger, although he is also capable of playing on the right wing. He has a very direct play style, and uses pace, dribbling, and tricks (such as the rainbow flick) to beat opposing defenders.[38] He provides assists with his balls in from wide positions, and also draws a lot of fouls.[39][40]

Career statistics

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As of match played 24 July 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Tottenham Hotspur 2014–15[7] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2015–16[17] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2016–17[19] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Luton Town (loan) 2014–15[7] League Two 11 0 11 0
Rangers (loan) 2015–16[17] Scottish Championship 15 1 2 0 2[a] 0 19 1
Colchester United (loan) 2015–16[17] EFL League One 2 0 2 0
Peterborough United (loan) 2016–17[19] 6 0 1 0 2[b] 0 9 0
Olimpija Ljubljana 2016–17[22] Slovenian PrvaLiga 4 0 1 0 5 0
2017–18[22] 18 2 0 0 2[c] 0 20 2
Total 22 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 25 2
Vejle Boldklub 2018–19[22] Danish Superliga 3 0 0 0 3 0
Hapoel Hadera 2018–19[22] Israeli Premier League 13 1 3 0 16 1
Dundalk 2020[22] League of Ireland Premier Division 10 0 2 2 4[d] 0 16 2
Shamakhi 2021–22[22] Azerbaijan Premier League 11 0 0 0 0[e] 0 11 0
Turan Tovuz 2022–23[22] Azerbaijan Premier League 28 5 4 1 32 6
Chungbuk Cheongju 2024[22] K League 2 10 2 1 0 11 2
Career total 131 11 12 3 2 0 6 0 4 0 155 14
  1. ^ Appearances in Scottish Challenge Cup
  2. ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy
  3. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ 1 appearance in UEFA Champions League, 3 appearances in UEFA Europa League
  5. ^ Appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League

Honours

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Olimpija Ljubljana[22]

Dundalk

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Nathan Oduwa". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 3 October 2015.
  2. ^ "Nathan Oduwa". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  3. ^ Nathan Oduwa: My family didn’t think it was a good move for me englishplayersabroad.com
  4. ^ a b c "Nathan Oduwa". Tottenham Hotspur F.C. Archived from the original on 14 September 2016.
  5. ^ "Transfer Deadline Day: Nathan Oduwa leaves Tottenham for Luton". BBC Sport. 2 February 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
  6. ^ Cunliffe, James (7 February 2015). "Match report: Oxford United 1 Luton Town 1 – a point is pleasing after Hatters take Stock". Bedfordshire on Sunday. Bedford. Archived from the original on 30 August 2017.
  7. ^ a b c "Games played by Nathan Oduwa in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  8. ^ "Rangers sign Tottenham Nathan Oduwa and Dominic Ball on loan from Tottenham". Sky Sports. 13 August 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  9. ^ "Dominic Ball and Nathan Oduwa join Rangers on loan from Tottenham". The Guardian. London. 13 August 2015. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  10. ^ Lindsay, Clive (16 August 2015). "Alloa Athletic 1–5 Rangers". BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  11. ^ Hedworth, Alice (16 August 2015). "Alloa Athletic 1–5 Rangers". Rangers F.C. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  12. ^ "Rangers' Nathan Oduwa criticised by Alloa defender". Sky Sports. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  13. ^ Thomson, Nick (1 December 2015). "Rangers 4–0 Dumbarton". Rangers F.C. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  14. ^ Ralph, Vincent (18 October 2015). "Rangers striker Martyn Waghorn grateful for Nathan Oduwa's late assist". HITC. Entrepreneur. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  15. ^ Young, Graeme (17 January 2016). "Rangers loanee Nathan Oduwa returns to Tottenham Hotspur after loan spell cut short". Daily Record. Glasgow. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  16. ^ "West Ham's Leo Chambers & Tottenham's Nathan Oduwa join Colchester United on loan". BBC Sport. 26 February 2016. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  17. ^ a b c d "Games played by Nathan Oduwa in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  18. ^ "Oduwa becomes latest Posh signing". Peterborough United F.C. 31 August 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  19. ^ a b c d "Games played by Nathan Oduwa in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  20. ^ Lamy, Joel (1 January 2017). "Deal done: Peterborough United bring back Martin Samuelsen on loan". Peterborough Telegraph. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  21. ^ Young, Alex (14 February 2017). "Tottenham youngster Nathan Oduwa joins Slovenian outfit Olimpija Ljubljana". London Evening Standard. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  22. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "N. Oduwa: Summary". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 11 December 2018.
  23. ^ "Nathan Oduwa je zapustil Olimpijo". NK Olimpija Ljubljana. 22 July 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  24. ^ "VB skriver kontrakt med Nathan Oduwa". Vejle Boldklub. 28 September 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  25. ^ Nathan Oduwa og Vejle Boldklub går hver til sit, vejle-boldklub.dk, 17 December 2018
  26. ^ המחליף של פלומין: אודווה חתם בהפועל חדרה, Alon Ben David, 30 January 2018 (in Hebrew)
  27. ^ "Lilywhites Complete The Signing of Nathan Oduwa - Dundalk Football Club". www.dundalkfc.com. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020.
  28. ^ "Dundalk Complete the Signing of Former Tottenham & Rangers Attacker". 11 March 2020.
  29. ^ "Natan Oduva ilə müqavilə imzalandı". keshlafc.az/ (in Azerbaijani). Keşla FK. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  30. ^ "Peşəkar Futbol Liqasının məlumatı". pfl.az (in Azerbaijani). Azerbaijan Premier League. 6 April 2022. Retrieved 7 April 2022.
  31. ^ ""Turan Tovuz" PFK müqavilə müddətləri başa çatan Turan Vəlizadə, Natan Oduva, Şakir Seyidov və Siyanda Xuluya xidmətlərinə görə təşəkkür edir, gələcək karyerasında uğurlar arzulayır!". facebook.com/TuranTovuzPFK (in Azerbaijani). Turan Tovuz Facebook. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  32. ^ "#WELCOME #오두". facebook.com/chfc2023 (in Korean). Chungbuk Cheongju FC Facebook. 15 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  33. ^ "Player Odu terminated his contract with Chungbuk Cheongju FC under mutual agreement and ended his journey". instagram.com. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  34. ^ Veevers, Nicholas (30 September 2015). "England U20s squad named for Mercedes Cup in Germany". The Football Association. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  35. ^ Kingsley, Igho (18 May 2016). "Nathan Oduwa hoping to shine for Nigeria at Olympic Games; refuses to sign new Spurs deal". All Nigeria Soccer. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  36. ^ "Siasia picks Okechukwu, Awoniyi, 18 others for Korea". Nigeria Football Federation. 27 May 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  37. ^ Kingsley, Igho (6 June 2016). "Nigeria U23s show character in win over Honduras; Spurs winger Oduwa makes cameo". All Nigeria Soccer. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  38. ^ "A flick too far from Rangers' Oduwa?". BBC Sport. 25 August 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  39. ^ Macpherson, Graeme (22 October 2015). "Nathan Oduwa won't be put off by the tackles or the comments. He'll just keep coming back for more". The Herald. Glasgow. Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  40. ^ Evans, Pete (2 December 2015). "Spurs starlet breaks his duck as Rangers romp to victory". Islington Gazette. London. Archived from the original on 25 September 2016.
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