Ikorodu City Hand Rising Star Akinbiyi Sodeeq First Professional Contract Amid Continental Push

Ikorodu City have continued to show faith in youth development after promoting talented U-19 midfielder Akinbiyi Sodeeq to their senior squad, TalkTalk Nigeria reports.

The highly rated youngster has also signed his first professional contract with the Oga Boys following an impressive run in the youth league this season. Sodeeq’s performances have drawn attention within the club, with coaches praising his composure, work rate, and growing tactical awareness in midfield.

The promotion comes at a crucial stage of the campaign, as Ikorodu City intensify their push for a continental ticket. Bright Ozebagbe’s side currently sit fourth on the league table with 38 points from 24 matches, keeping them firmly in the race for qualification spots.

While Sodeeq is expected to compete for minutes in an already competitive squad, his elevation signals the club’s long-term vision of blending youthful energy with experienced leadership.

From an opinion perspective, this move reflects a refreshing shift in Nigerian club football — trusting academy players at a time when results matter most. Rather than relying solely on established names, Ikorodu City appear to be investing in the future while chasing immediate success. If handled properly, Sodeeq’s promotion could inspire other young talents within the system and strengthen the bond between the club and its grassroots supporters.

However, the real challenge will be balancing expectation with patience. Young players often need time to adjust to the physical and tactical demands of senior football. For fans, the excitement is understandable, but steady development may ultimately be more valuable than instant impact.

As the season enters a decisive phase, all eyes will be on whether Sodeeq can translate his youth-level brilliance into senior consistency — and perhaps play a small but meaningful role in Ikorodu City’s continental ambitions.