Excited Young Nigerians Join Ipswich Town on Scholarship Deals

Championship side Ipswich Town have unveiled their latest group of academy scholars for the 2025–26 season, welcoming eleven new talents including two Nigeria-eligible players scholarship terms. Jayden Adetiba and Kellyan Olawole formalised their scholarship deals at Portman Road last month, with family and friends present to celebrate the occasion.

Under EFL regulations, all under-17 players begin their journey on scholarship contracts, allowing them to develop within a club’s academy until they are old enough to sign professional terms upon turning 17 . Adetiba joins from Arsenal, while Olawole arrives as a U17 recruit from Everton. Olawole is a centre-back from Salford, Greater Manchester, whereas Adetiba hails from Northfleet, Kent .

Notably, Adetiba is eligible for Nigeria, England and the United Arab Emirates internationally. He has already featured at U17 level for the UAE and played a key part in their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, logging two assists in four matches during the qualifiers.

Neither Jayden nor Kellyan made their U18 Premier League debuts while at Arsenal or Everton respectively .

Editorial

We take heart from Ipswich Town’s decision to invest in young, Nigeria-eligible talents. This move not only speaks volumes about the club’s forward-thinking approach, but also underscores the opportunities available for promising players from diverse backgrounds.

We believe that bridging academies across Europe is vital for the long-term growth of football in Nigeria. Adetiba and Olawole stepping onto the Ipswich campus represents more than just personal advancement—it is a direct path toward enriching the national talent pipeline.

Our support lies with such foundational moves. Scholar pathways provide these young players with the tools, coaching and environment they need to flourish. It is this very grounding that transforms raw potential into footballing excellence.

We urge more academies—in England and beyond—to follow in such footsteps. When clubs commit to nurturing nascent talent irrespective of borders, the outcome enriches all stakeholders: the clubs, the players, and their countries. Let us continue to encourage initiatives that open doors for the next generation of stars.

Did You Know?

1. Jayden Adetiba and Kellyan Olawole are among eleven new scholars joining Ipswich Town’s academy ahead of the 2025–26 season a clear indicator of the club’s dedication to youth development.
2. U17 scholarship agreements are standard under EFL rules, ensuring young players receive structured development until they turn 17, when they may earn professional contracts.
3. Adetiba has already represented the United Arab Emirates at U17 level, distinguishing himself with two key assists during their campaign to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.
4. Kellyan Olawole, although now signed with Ipswich, continues to sharpen his defensive skills as a centre-back, drawing attention during his tenure at Everton’s youth setup.
5. Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town, has long been a hub for nurturing talent, with its modern academy facilities and experienced coaching staff providing an encouraging environment for young prospects.