Ikorodu City FC has bolstered its squad ahead of the 2025–2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with the signing of midfielder Adebayo Oluwatomisin. The 24-year-old, recruited from Ilaji FC of the Nationwide League One (NLO), Nigeria’s third-tier division, has inked a two-year deal with the Lagos-based club, signaling a step up in his career.
Oluwatomisin’s move to Ikorodu City, colloquially known as the “Oga Boys,” marks a pivotal transition from semi-professional to top-flight football. The player has already integrated into the team, participating in preseason training sessions as the club prepares for its NPFL campaign. His acquisition aligns with the club’s strategy to strengthen its roster, with multiple signings reportedly finalized in recent weeks.
The team’s season opener will pit them against Kwara United on August 22 in Ilorin, a fixture that will test their revamped lineup. The match coincides with the NPFL’s scheduled kickoff date, which sees clubs across Nigeria returning to competitive action after the offseason. Ikorodu City’s recruitment drive underscores their ambition to improve on last season’s performance, though specific details about other new signings remain undisclosed.
Oluwatomisin’s journey from the NLO to the NPFL highlights the growing visibility of lower-tier talent in Nigeria’s football ecosystem. The Nationwide League One, though less prominent, has increasingly served as a proving ground for players aiming to break into the professional ranks. His rapid integration into training suggests the coaching staff views him as a immediate contributor, potentially filling gaps in midfield creativity or defensive stability.
For Ikorodu City, headquartered in Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial hub—the upcoming season represents an opportunity to solidify its standing in one of West Africa’s most competitive leagues. The club’s preparations reflect a broader trend among NPFL teams to invest in emerging talent, balancing fiscal prudence with on-field aspirations. As the August 22 kickoff approaches, fans will watch closely to see how these strategic moves translate into results.
