It’s strange to think about now, but if someone had told us two or three years ago that we would be here at a point where we are looking back on a season of such high performance, one that could end with a top-four finish in the top flight, we probably would have met it with a fair amount of scepticism. And yet, here we are, soaking in the euphoria of a campaign that’s given us some truly beautiful moments.
Tomorrow, we return to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena for one final time this season. Matchday 38. The last dance. And while Abia Warriors will be standing across from us, this day feels like it’s about more than just the match.
This day is for reflection, for celebration, and for casting a hopeful eye toward what lies ahead. Because if this season has shown us anything, it’s that the journey is only just beginning.
To grasp the full weight of this moment, you have to trace the path, every stumble, and every spark that has brought us here.
A Season of Growth and Resilience
No one ever said it would be easy. Our inaugural season in the Nigeria Premier Football League was always going to come with its challenges, and the early signs were brutally clear. The first five fixtures brought just a single point. Bottom of the table. From the outside, it looked bleak.
But within the camp, belief never cracked. The results hadn’t come, but the resolve was intact. There was a quiet understanding that something was building, even if the outside world couldn’t see it yet.
October changed everything. A pulsating 4–2 victory over Lobi Stars felt like more than just a win, it was a shift in momentum, a statement that this team had more to give. From that moment on, the Oga Boys started to look like a side that belonged. Performances became sharper, more assured. The table began to reflect the work being done behind the scenes.
There were results that stood out. The 6–0 thrashing of Katsina United, in particular, was a coming-of-age performance. Free-flowing attacking football. Defensive composure. Picking points at difficult grounds. Holding the big teams. A team that had been written off just weeks earlier was now earning respect across the division, and we were doing it with a clear sense of identity.
Our Cup Run: A Testament to Tenacity
If our journey through the league hasn’t already said enough about how far we have come, then our run in the President Federation Cup offered even more proof of the progress being made.
Just last season, we were a second-tier side bowing out in the Round of 16. This year told a different story. Wins over Sunshine Stars, Crown FC, Beyond Limits, and Wikki Tourists carried us all the way to the semi-finals, an achievement that spoke volumes about our growth.
That last hurdle came in the form of Abakaliki FC. It was tense, tight, and goalless for 90 minutes. Penalties followed, and with them, the heartbreak. A place in the final slipped away in the cruelest fashion. Absolutely painful, but the run itself meant something.
It showcased the depth in our squad, the grit in our performances, and the spirit that continues to define Ikorodu City FC. This wasn’t just a cup campaign, it was another marker of how far this team has come, and how much further we still intend to go.
Facing Abia Warriors: Our Final Hurdle
Abia Warriors secured their most crucial victory of the season on Matchday 37, sealing their qualification for a CAF competition. But they know this final game carries even more weight, as a win could propel them from third to second place, which would earn them a coveted spot in the CAF Champions League. Despite all this, our focus isn’t on what lies ahead for them. Our concern is finishing on a high note.
So far, we have scored more goals than any other team this season with 57 in total, and we are aiming to push that tally closer to 60 or beyond. We also want to strengthen our home record, which has been impressive throughout 2025. Unbeaten at home with seven(7) wins and one(1) draw, we can’t afford to slip now. This final game isn’t the one we want to lose. We are determined to stretch our unbeaten run at home to nine matches in the calendar year, and as usual, we are confident we will deliver and finish on the highest note.
Team News
The whole of the squad is fully fit and available for selection, with the only exception being Leonard Ngenge, who will miss out after receiving a red card in the Matchday 37 game against Remo Stars.
Match Details
● Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
● Kick-off Time: 04:00 pm
● Date: Sunday 25th, May.
● Follow the Action: Stay connected with us on social media @IkoroduCityFC for live upates and all the action as it unfolds.
Gratitude and Forward Vision
To you, our fans, your unwavering support has been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved this season. From the early struggles to the moments of celebration and laughter, you’ve stood with us through it all. For that, we are deeply grateful.
As this chapter closes, we do so with a sense of pride and anticipation. The groundwork has been laid, lessons learned, and ambitions set high. Together, we’re ready to build on this momentum and push for even greater success in the seasons ahead.
Let’s make this final game one to remember. Turn out in full force to the Arena, wear your colours with pride, let’s party, and let’s celebrate what it means to be Oga Boys.