Young Nigerian midfielder Chinaza Nwosu has officially signed his first professional contract with Nottingham Forest, sealing a move from West Ham United’s academy.

The 17-year-old, born in the UK, had been tracked by Premier League giants including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur before committing his future to the Reds, Footballrover reports.

Why Chinaza Nwosu Chose Nottingham Forest Over Bigger Clubs

Nwosu, who previously featured for England’s U15, U16, and U17 sides, turned professional earlier this year on his 17th birthday.

Despite interest from top clubs, Forest’s project and academy setup proved decisive.

The teenager’s decision to join Nottingham was shaped by opportunity.

The Reds offered him a three-year deal, with a clear pathway to first-team football through their B Team program, overseen by Warren Joyce.

For Nwosu, this represented a faster track to senior-level football compared to bigger clubs, where competition for places is far tougher.

— “I’m ready for the new challenge. I can’t wait to make my professional league debut with Forest,” he said.

Forest’s Head of Football Development & Talent Management, Craig Mulholland, also praised the move:

— “Chinaza is an established England youth international, and it demonstrates the strides the club are making in the emerging talent recruitment space, securing one of the country’s top talents. We will accelerate his learning under Warren and Jody’s guidance in an excellent games programme, full of variation and challenge, for our B Team.”

Rising Star: What Nottingham Forest Are Getting in Nwosu

Chinaza Nwosu is regarded as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation.

Known for his calmness under pressure and ability to glide through midfield, he excels at ball retention, tempo control, and timing passes through defensive lines.

A talent scout once described him as the best player in his position in the country, while West Ham coaches rated him as their top academy prospect.

Scored the winning penalty and won Man of the Match in the U18 Premier League Cup final.

Made 17 league appearances for West Ham’s U18s last season.

Featured 11 times for England U17s during the 2024/25 campaign.

Can operate as both a central midfielder and centre-back.

With his three-year contract signed, Nwosu joins up with Warren Joyce’s B Team at Forest, where he will be closely monitored and developed for first-team opportunities.

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Last Updated on September 5, 2025 8:44 pm by footballrover