Ahead of the 2025–26 NPFL season, Ikorodu City FC has promoted five standout academy players to the senior team following impressive performances. The rising talents defenders Chiemerie Ezeaka and Gift Udoh forwards Maliq Musa and Samuel Ezekiel; and midfielder Dagogo Ibifubara have earned their spots with full promotions to the first team.
This move comes just after the club signed four new signings Liberian goalkeeper Derrick Julu joined from Watanga FC on a two year deal Uchechukwu Onyemaechi arrived from Ijebu United on a multi-year contract Taiwo Alao signed from Sporting Lagos and Rasheed Owolabi linked up from Inter Lagos on another two year deal .
Ikorodu City’s season opens with an away fixture against Kwara United in Ilorin on 24 August 2025.
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Editorial
We celebrate Ikorodu City’s bold step in promoting homegrown talent to their senior squad. This decision reflects more than squad strengthening it’s a reaffirmation of the Academy’s foundational role in shaping the club’s future.
We know that sustainable success in football begins with nurturing young talent. By elevating Ezeaka, Udoh, Musa, Ezekiel, and Ibifubara, Ikorodu City is investing in identity, continuity, and long-term growth. These players, having honed their craft within the club’s system, bring dedication and passion that can’t be bought.
We see value in blending academy promotions with strategic signings. The club’s other four acquisitions complement the internal talent, providing experience and depth. That balance development and reinforcement embodies wise team building.
Let us encourage more Nigerian clubs to follow this dual approach. Investing in youth while supplementing sensibly from outside creates a dynamic, resilient squad. Ikorodu City’s example reinforces the truth a club grows strongest from within, guided by vision, trust, and ambition rooted in its own bedrock.
Did You Know?
- Rapid Rise Founded in January 2022, Ikorodu City FC reached the NPFL in just two years and earned a stunning 4th-place finish in the 2024–25 campaign .
- Oga Boys The club’s nickname is the “Oga Boys,” a nod to their swagger and Lagos swagger heritage.
- Home Turf Ikorodu City plays their home matches at Onikan Stadium in Lagos, which can host up to 10,000 fans.
- Record Beginnings Their academy pipeline was a key part of their swift ascent through the Nigerian league system, underscoring a strong grassroots foundation.
- Season Opener Set The 2025–26 NPFL season is scheduled to begin on 22 August 2025, with Remo Stars entering as defending champions.
