Nigeria Leagues
Ikorodu City land Liberia’s No.1 Julu, three Others ahead of NPFL kickoff
By Dayo Awoniyi
Ikorodu City have wrapped up a frantic 24 hours in the transfer market, unveiling four new signings as they gear up for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The standout addition is Liberia’s first-choice goalkeeper, Derrick Julu, who joins on a two-year deal. A two-time Liberian First Division champion with Watanga FC, Julu brings international pedigree and a winning mentality to the Lagos outfit as they look to push beyond mid-table obscurity.
Also through the door are two strikers and a midfielder. Uchechukwu Onyemaechi, formerly of Ijebu United, arrives on a multi-year contract to sharpen Ikorodu’s cutting edge in attack, while ex-Sporting Lagos forward Taiwo Alao adds further depth in the final third.
The midfield gets a boost with Rasheed Owolabi, secured from Inter Lagos on a two-year deal.
Founded in 2022, Ikorodu City have quickly gained a reputation for unearthing young talent and playing fearless football. Last season, they impressed in flashes but fell short of consistency, a shortcoming the management believe these reinforcements can correct.
The Oga Boys will have little time to bed in their new faces, as they kick off their NPFL campaign with a stern test away to Kwara United on August 22 in Ilorin.
With four fresh additions, Ikorodu City are signalling intent to make a statement from the opening whistle of the new season.