Ghana — The journey from the football fields of Ikorodu to the international stage is becoming a reality for a group of promising young female footballers, with eight players from the Ikorodu football community currently part of the FEFCAN Ladies squad competing at the Cheetah Cup 2026 in Ghana.
The players, Adedeji Kehinde, Adepitan Oluwabusayo, Olabinjo Habibat, and Atinumo Ifabukade of Ablaze Amazons; Nurudeen Aliya and Joseph Favour of Unizee Shilas; and Aduku Esther and Omogbulegbe Caroline of SLAS Tigers, earned places in the selected FEFCAN squad and are now representing Nigeria on an international platform.
Their selection marks a significant moment for women’s football in Ikorodu, highlighting the depth of talent developing within the local football community. What started on local pitches has now taken these players across the border to Ghana, where they are competing against some of the region’s emerging football talents.
More Than Just Club Representation
While the players come from three different Ikorodu based clubs, their mission in Ghana goes beyond representing their individual teams.
They are part of the FEFCAN Ladies squad representing Nigeria, with FEFCAN the only Nigerian team in the competition’s selected composition. As a result, the players carry not only the badge of FEFCAN and the pride of their respective clubs, but also the responsibility of representing Nigeria.
For Ablaze Amazons, the selection of Adedeji Kehinde, Adepitan Oluwabusayo, Olabinjo Habibat, and Atinumo Ifabukade is another reflection of the club’s growing contribution to the development of female footballers and their progression to higher levels of competition.
Unizee Shilas and SLAS Tigers are equally represented, with Nurudeen Aliya and Joseph Favour selected from Unizee, while Aduku Esther and Omogbulegbe Caroline earned places from SLAS Tigers.
A Familiar Face in the FEFCAN Delegation
The Ikorodu connection extends beyond the players.
Olalekan Job, who is also the Team Manager of Ablaze Amazons, is part of the official delegation leading the FEFCAN squad at the Cheetah Cup. His involvement adds another layer to Ikorodu’s representation at the international tournament and highlights the role of local football administrators and coaches in creating pathways for young talents to gain valuable international exposure.
The presence of eight players from Ikorodu at an international competition is more than an individual achievement. It is a statement about the quality of talent emerging from the area and the potential that exists when young players are given the right platform and exposure.
From the local pitches of Ikorodu to the international stage in Ghana, these players are carrying a story of talent, opportunity, determination, and representation.
As the Cheetah Cup 2026 continues, the football community in Ikorodu will be watching with pride as their own compete on the international stage, not just for their clubs, not just for FEFCAN, but for Nigeria.
From Ikorodu to Ghana. From grassroots football to the international stage. The journey is only beginning.
