In an inspiring tale of determination and hard work, Ikorodu City FC has secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the first time in their history. Team director, Tobi Adepoju, is confident that his young squad, with an average age of 22, has what it takes to compete against the best in the top flight.
Speaking on Lasgidi FM, Tobi expressed his joy and pride in achieving their four-year plan ahead of schedule. He acknowledged the challenges that come with promotion, particularly financial sustainability, but is optimistic about their chances.
“We are very happy. When we started in 2022, the goal was to try and make an impact in the ecosystem and be different. We don’t have a billionaire owner, so we had to put in a lot of work. It was initially a four-year plan but once it became possible that it might happen this year, we decided to go for it.”
Ikorodu City joins an elite group of privately-owned teams, including Remo Stars, Doma United, Sporting Lagos, and Beyond Limits, who have achieved promotion in recent seasons. Tobi believes that learning from their experiences will be crucial in navigating the top flight.
Despite concerns about their young squad's ability to compete, Tobi is adamant that they don't need to "panic buy" experienced players. Instead, they will focus on nurturing their talent and building a strong team ethos.
The club's financial situation is a concern, but Tobi is working tirelessly to secure funding. Once that hurdle is overcome, he is confident that Ikorodu City can hold their own in the NPFL.
As the team prepares for their debut season in the top flight, Tobi's enthusiasm and belief in his players are palpable. With their induction into the NPFL imminent, Ikorodu City FC is ready to take the league by storm and prove that youth and determination can be a potent combination.
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