Nigeria Players Abroad
Joseph Arumala joins Al Ittihad after standout season with Ikorodu City
Joseph Arumala has completed a permanent move from Nigeria Premier Football League side Ikorodu City to Egyptian Premier League club Al Ittihad.
The young striker leaves Nigeria after an impressive 2025/26 campaign in which he scored 13 goals and provided two assists for Ikorodu City, also known as the Oga Boys.
Arumala was among the standout performers in the NPFL last season, although his contribution was not enough to secure continental qualification for Ikorodu City. The Lagos-based club finished fourth in the league.
He joined Ikorodu City before the beginning of the 2025/26 season and quickly became an important member of the team. His performances helped establish him as one of the club’s key attacking players during the campaign.
Arumala’s pace, direct style of running and ability to find the net made him a popular figure among Ikorodu City supporters. Those qualities have now earned him a move to Al Ittihad, who are based in Alexandria.
Ikorodu City confirmed the transfer with a farewell message to the striker on X.
“Good luck in Egypt with @itthadalexsc 🇪🇬 Joseph Arumala.“We wish you the best ⭐️,” the club wrote.
The move brings Arumala’s time with Ikorodu City to an end after a single season in which he made a significant impact in the NPFL. His 13 goals placed him among the division’s notable attacking performers, while his two assists underlined his involvement in the team’s attacking play.
Despite his individual success, Ikorodu City ended the league campaign in fourth place and missed out on continental football. Arumala will now continue his career in the Egyptian Premier League with Al Ittihad after completing the permanent transfer.
His departure represents a significant change for Ikorodu City, with the club losing a forward who had quickly become a fan favourite after arriving ahead of the 2025/26 season. For Arumala, the switch to Egypt offers the next stage of his career following his breakthrough campaign in Nigeria’s top flight.
