Bright Ozadegbe, Technical Adviser of Ikorodu City FC, has reaffirmed the team’s determination to secure a continental slot as the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season draws to a close.
Ozadegbe, who said this in an interview in Lagos, said the team would remain resolute in spite of the challenges posed by the remaining fixtures.
The Oga Boys are currently fifth on the NPFL table with 55 points from 35 matches, level on points with fourth-placed Bendel Insurance FC, who have a goal advantage, but with a game in hand.
Ikorodu City will face relegation-threatened Wikki Tourists on Match Day 36 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Tuesday (today).
The Ozadegbe-tutored side will have the opportunity to reclaim third position with a victory over the Bauchi-based team.
The soft-spoken coach emphasised the importance of approaching the remaining fixtures with focus, starting with the clash against Wikki Tourists.
“Our next game on Tuesday is against Wikki Tourists, and we are more focused on picking our matches one after the other, that match is important to us as a team.
“We have three more games in the league which are most crucial to us, but for Wikki Tourists, we’re going to see, we are playing at home and we expect nothing other than victory.
“We’re going to try to get it right this time because Ikorodu City was unable to get the continental slot last season, so getting it this year will be a priority.
“I have repeatedly stated that every year we have to try to surpass the standings and the results of the previous year,” Ozadegbe said.
On the run-in to the end of the season, Ozebagbe admitted the fixtures would be demanding but expressed confidence in his team’s approach.
He said, “We are deliberate on how we play our games, and it’s one thing that will keep us going.
“We always set targets beyond the previous year. In 2025, we ended up fourth; this year we want to improve, but it won’t be easy with the last matches.”