The Wellington Phoenix have moved quickly to secure Josh Oluwayemi for another Isuzu UTE A-League season.
The Phoenix have re-signed the English-Nigerian goalkeeper through until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Oluwayemi, 23, has quickly made the no. 1 jersey his own since arriving in Wellington on a one-year contract at the start of September, and he ensured the Nix kept a clean sheet in their second round match against Perth on Saturday night.
Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano says it’s a good piece of business by the club.
“We see huge potential upside with Josh and want to invest in him along with Alby Kelly-Heald and Dublin Boon, the other two ‘keepers we have here,” Italiano said.
“In the short time that Josh has been part of the group he’s shown progression every week.
“He’s very comfortable with the ball at his feet, is a good shot stopper and he’s really dominant in his area.
“I think he has the potential to get a move back overseas. The idea is for him to do well and build around him.
“It also gives a little bit more time for Alby to find his feet and allow him to develop as well.”
Josh Oluwayemi is “absolutely buzzing” to re-sign with the Wellington Phoenix.
“I’m excited to sign on for an extra year and I look forward to playing in front of the fans and meeting more people in the city,” Oluwayemi said.
“I’m absolutely delighted that the coach and the backroom staff have seen something in me and shown faith in me.
“I hope to repay the club, and the people involved in it.”
He has relished his time with the Phoenix, which has been a welcome change from his previous experiences in the U.K. and Finland.
“In terms of the lifestyle, the people and the environment in the club it’s very positive and refreshing.
“I feel like the people are a lot calmer and the vibe is a lot more chill over here.
“In terms of the way the club accommodates players and brings people in, especially within the dressing room and within the team, it’s one of the best that I’ve been around.”
Oluwayemi is content with his performances in his first two competitive appearances for the Nix, but knows he can get better.
“There are some good bits and some bits that I want to work at. I’m always working with Ruben Parker (goalkeeper coach) finding bits to plug away at and improve as I want to get as close to perfection as possible.
“I feel like my performances have been steady and I feel like there’s still more to give and more to show.
“It’ll come over time and people will be able to see what I’m about after a longer collection of games.”
Josh Oluwayemi’s next game for the club is Saturday’s inaugural New Zealand derby against Auckland FC at Sky Stadium.
“Derbies, the media around certain games and the narratives are exactly what you get into football for and what gets you out of bed.
“I’m absolutely buzzing, and I can’t wait to play in that game and to be part of the first ever professional New Zealand derby.
“It’s something big that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
You can get tickets to the match here.
