Ikorodu City FA Secure First NPFL Promotion with 4–1 Victory

Ikorodu City FA have booked their place in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after a commanding 4–1 triumph over Franceez in the final Round‑Robin fixture of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs in Enugu. The result secured their place among the elite for the first time in club history.

The “Oga Boys” took control early, racing into a 2‑0 lead inside the opening 30 minutes thanks to goals from Samuel and Kamonke. Although Franceez pulled one back through a well‑taken strike just before half‑time, Ikorodu City FA responded in the second half with two more goals Ibifubara with a header and Emmanuel sealing the victory with a clinical finish.

This decisive win capped off an unbeaten run in the Super 8, a remarkable turnaround from their near‑relegation battles in 2022 and 2023. In a tournament of tight margins, the Lagos side finished atop the Southern Conference on goal difference, edging out Beyond Limits FA to claim the final NPFL berth.

The promotion marks the end of a rapid ascension only three seasons after the club’s founding in January 2022. Their resilience and growth reflect a well-executed development plan, with consistent performances culminating in their historic breakthrough.

Editorial

We applaud Ikorodu City FA’s ascent to the NPFL as a testament to ambition grounded in strategic planning and community spirit. Founded just three years ago, they have defied expectations surviving relegation scares in both 2022 and 2023 to emerge as champions of their Super 8 group in 2024.

Their performance in Enugu was emphatic. Facing pressure, they responded with composure, demonstrating depth in squad quality and tactical maturity rarely seen in clubs with such a brief history. A 4–1 victory isn’t just a result it’s a signal that this club is built to last.

Youth development and local engagement have clearly been central. Players like Samuel, Kamonke, Ibifubara and Emmanuel symbolise a forward thinking model that values investment in homegrown talent. Such an approach benefits the players and strengthens club identity, galvanising fan support and regional pride.

As we look ahead, the NPFL will pose tougher challenges higher calibre opponents, greater expectations, and broader visibility. Ikorodu City FA must now consolidate infrastructure, maintain financial prudence, and perhaps most importantly, retain the spirit that has driven this incredible ascent.

Our belief is strong: if the club stays true to its principles resilience, development, ambition it will not only survive top flight football, but become a beacon for Nigerian football. Their journey so far suggests this is only the beginning.

Did You Know?

1. Ikorodu City FA was founded only in January 2022 just three full seasons ago.
2. Their home ground is the historic Onikan Stadium in Lagos, which holds up to 10,000 spectators.
3. In the 2023–24 Super 8 playoffs, they remained unbeaten, showcasing an unusually consistent playoff run.
4. Their path included overcoming Franceez, a side known for strong defensive organisation, by scoring four goals in a high-stakes match.
5. They join just three other clubs Beyond Limits FA, Nasarawa United, and El-Kanemi Warriors—as modern additions to the NPFL in 2024.