In a remarkable achievement, Ikorodu City Football Club has earned promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for the first time in its history. This historic milestone was achieved following an impressive performance in the 2024 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 Playoffs held in Enugu.
The “Oga Boys” finished second in the Southern Conference with five points, just behind Beyond Limits FA, who topped the conference with seven points. This promotion is a testament to Ikorodu City’s determination and growth since its establishment in January 2022.
The club’s path to success was marked by a decisive 2-0 victory against Madiba FC on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. This victory secured their promotion, capping off a strong campaign in the NNL Super 8 Playoffs.
Ikorodu City FC was formed to serve as a community club in the Ikorodu region of Lagos State, with the mission of discovering and nurturing local football talents. The club has quickly risen from its humble beginnings, overcoming significant challenges along the way. In its inaugural 2021/2022 season, the team participated in the Nigerian National League, narrowly avoiding relegation in 2022, and battling through relegation playoffs in 2023.
This promotion is particularly significant for Ikorodu City, considering its origins as a rebirth of the community-based Bolowotan Football Club (BFC), established in 2007. Despite financial difficulties that led BFC to hand over its league slot to MFM FC, the spirit of community football in Ikorodu has been revitalized through Ikorodu City FC.
Joining Ikorodu City and Beyond Limits in the NPFL are Nasarawa United and Elkanemi Warriors, who also secured their promotions through strong performances in the playoffs.
Ikorodu City FC’s ascent to the NPFL is a major victory not only for the club but also for the community it represents. The club’s vision of providing opportunities and reducing crime rates by engaging local youths in football is now more vibrant than ever, with the team’s success likely to inspire many more young talents in the region.
As Ikorodu City FC prepares for its debut season in the top flight of Nigerian football, the club and its supporters look forward to a new chapter filled with hope and potential.
