-
Turns IKORODU City FC Around In 3 Months
In October 2024, Ikorodu City FC, a newly promoted team in the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL, faced a challenging start to their top-flight journey. After securing promotion from the Nigerian second tier, the club’s head coach, Bright Ozebagbe, resigned on October 21, 2024, citing a lack of appreciation for his work and concerns over his mental well-being. He stated, “I don’t feel happy doing my job, not being appreciated, and I just want to get my mental state away from the club and explore other possibilities,” he stated.
In response, the club appointed assistant coach Nurudeen Aweroro as the interim head coach. At that time, Ikorodu City had suffered four losses in their first five matches, placing them at the bottom of the league table.
Under Aweroro’s leadership, the team’s fortunes began to change. He emphasized instilling a winning mentality and improving player concentration. After a 4-2 victory over Lobi Stars, Aweroro remarked, “I told them they need to go back and do better after the break. If they want to be a champion, they must work like a champion and give them that winning mentality.”
The team’s performance improved significantly. They went unbeaten in three consecutive matches, including a 2-0 win over El-Kanemi Warriors. This streak elevated them to fifth place on the NPFL table. Reflecting on this success, Aweroro expressed his delight and highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum in their debut campaign.
Despite their rise, Aweroro maintained a pragmatic approach, focusing on securing the team’s position in the league rather than pursuing a title challenge. After a 4-1 victory over Akwa United, he stated, “We are not mounting any title challenge as we just want to win games and remain in the league.”
To strengthen the squad further, Aweroro planned to bring in up to three new players during the mid-season transfer window, focusing on scouting relatively unknown talents to build a more competitive team.
Ikorodu City FC, founded in January 2022, achieved a remarkable feat in the NPFL by becoming the first newly promoted club to remain unbeaten in their first ten home matches. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the club’s recent promotion to the NPFL in 2024.
The team’s impressive home with a series of home victories. Notable wins included a 2-0 triumph over Rivers United, ending the latter’s unbeaten streak.
By December 2024, Ikorodu City had secured six consecutive home wins, contributing significantly to their unbeaten home record. This streak not only showcased their resilience but also established them as formidable opponents in the league.
By January 2025, Ikorodu City had climbed to third place in the league standings, a remarkable turnaround from their earlier position. Aweroro’s leadership, strategic planning, and focus on player development were pivotal in transforming the team’s performance within three months, establishing Ikorodu City FC as a formidable presence in the NPFL.
Ikorodu City FC, founded in January 2022, achieved a remarkable feat in the NPFL by becoming the first newly promoted club to remain unbeaten in their first ten home matches. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the club’s recent promotion to the NPFL in 2024.
The team’s impressive home with a series of home victories. Notable wins included a 2-0 triumph over Rivers United, ending the latter’s unbeaten streak.
Ikorodu City’s ten-game unbeaten home run streak as a newly promoted club is unprecedented in NPFL history. This milestone marks a significant milestone and sets a high standard for future league entrants.
Can They Qualify for a continental football?
As of February 13, 2025, Ikorodu City FC are currently in seventh place, just four points below Rivers United, who is in third place. After 22 matches, they have 31 points, having secured nine wins, four draws, and nine losses. Their goal difference is +5 (32 goals scored and 27 conceded).
In the NPFL, qualification for continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup is typically awarded to the top-performing teams. The league champions and runners-up usually qualify for the CAF Champions League, while the third-placed team and the winners of the Nigerian FA Cup secure spots in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Given Ikorodu City FC’s current 7th-place standing, they are outside the typical qualification positions for continental football. However, with several matches remaining in the season, the club still has an opportunity to improve their standing. A strong run of form in the remaining fixtures could see them climb the table and potentially secure a qualification spot. Additionally, success in the Nigerian FA Cup offers an alternative route to continental competition.
This surprising football club’s success can be attributed to effective management, strategic planning, and a strong team spirit. Their home ground, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, became a fortress where they consistently delivered outstanding performances.
While specific details about Aweroro’s early life and the beginnings of his coaching career are not widely documented, his rapid rise within Ikorodu City FC highlights his coaching acumen and leadership abilities. His success with the team underscores his potential as a prominent figure in Nigerian football coaching.
By Benprince Ezeh
08068599879
