Northampton Town has confirmed the departure of three defenders of Nigerian descent, including Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate Timothy Eyoma, following the end of the 2024–2025 season. Eyoma’s contract will officially expire on June 30, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the versatile defender.
Eyoma joined Northampton Town in November 2024 after leaving Lincoln City. During his time with the Cobblers, he scored one goal in 27 appearances across all competitions. The 25 year old defender was part of England’s FIFA U17 World Cup-winning squad in 2017 and made a single senior appearance for Tottenham against Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup in 2019 before moving permanently in 2021.
Also leaving Northampton Town are centre-back Akin Odimayo and left-back Ali Koiki. Odimayo, who joined from Swindon Town in 2022, played 98 matches and provided three assists during his stint. Meanwhile, Koiki, who previously played for Crystal Palace, Burnley, Swindon Town, and Bristol Rovers, made 93 appearances for Northampton, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
The trio now seek new opportunities as free agents after their spells with the League One club.
Editorial
The end of the road at Northampton Town for Timothy Eyoma, Akin Odimayo, and Ali Koiki is a reminder of the unforgiving nature of professional football. For Eyoma, who once lifted the U17 World Cup with England, the journey has been one of potential, pauses, and now, a fresh opportunity to reignite his career. At just 25, there is still time for him to carve out a significant path in the game, but it will require finding the right environment to showcase his versatility and defensive qualities.
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Odimayo and Koiki’s exits also mark the end of steady contributions to the Cobblers’ backline. Both players have shown glimpses of talent that could see them picked up swiftly by other clubs looking for experience and defensive depth.
Their stories are far from over. For Nigerian football fans, it’s a call to watch where these players land next—and perhaps hope that their next steps lead to greater things.
Did You Know?
- Timothy Eyoma captained England’s U17 side on multiple occasions during their run to the FIFA U17 World Cup title in 2017.
- Eyoma made his only first-team appearance for Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup against Tranmere Rovers, a match Spurs won 7-0.
- Akin Odimayo began his football journey at Reading before making stops at Hungerford Town, Waterford, and Swindon Town.
- Ali Koiki was part of the Burnley academy but never made a senior appearance for the Premier League club.
- Northampton Town achieved promotion to League One in the 2023/2024 season with Odimayo and Koiki playing crucial roles in their defensive lineup.
