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Arresting the Slide: How Ikorodu City FC can get their season back on track
by Astorre Cerebrone
17 Oct 2024
Newly promoted teams in top divisions worldwide always face a peculiar dilemma. Those in charge have to decide between loyalty and ambition.
On the side of loyalty is the need to reward the group who earned the club promotion to the top flight, to keep faith with them even if they do not seem equipped to handle the rigours, quality and intensity of the new level.
On the side of ambition is the need to strengthen the squad with players who have the experience and required quality to keep the club at the top.
Neither side brings any guarantees as there are no sure odds in football, but most teams who have kept their status opted to err on the side of ambition.
It doesn’t always work, and when that happens, it can be disastrous. Queens Park Rangers are a classic example.
Their 14/15 season in the Premier League saw them finish last with a lowly 30 points despite filling their squad with top flight has-beens like Rio Ferdinand, Mauricio Isla, Sandro, Niko Kranjčar and Mauro Zarate. They have not returned to the Premier League since then.
Herculean Task
The task before Ikorodu City is a hard one, one that many before them have found impossible. Yet, they have chosen the hardest way possible, their way. Not many teams are brave enough to opt for loyalty and sticking with the tradition they have established at the club.
Where others would have panicked, they have stuck to their guns, retaining their commitment to the club’s values, hoping to ultimately reap great rewards.
They have a youth policy that some may describe as naive in top flight football, reflected in the fact that they have the youngest squad in the league, with an average age of 22. While the club’s goal is obviously to win, youth development is as much a priority.
The club, who are neither bankrolled by a billionaire nor state-owned, are community-owned and a symbol of hope for the community that they represent. For them, it is not enough to win, it has to be done with the club’s philosophy front and centre.
Naturally, there have been teething problems. Their maiden NPFL campaign has not started well; they lost 4 of their first 5 games, remarkably grabbing their only point in that run away against Kwara United.
What is more remarkable is the fact that they could and should have won against the reigning Champions, Rangers International, considering how much pressure they put on their more illustrious opponents.
Observers at the game noted that they had given the Champions too much respect in the opening half, which is understandable considering their lack of experience and youth. Still, their roaring performance in the second half gave everyone a glimpse of what they are capable of against the best in the land.
That finally bore fruit when they demolished Bendel Insurance in their 6th game, securing their first win of the season. 3-0 was their reward for an imperious performance.
Ahead of that game, their hopes of garnering their first win received a blow following the sudden resignation of their promotion-winning coach, Bright Ozegbagbe.
He had come into the club back in February, with a mandate to lead them into the NPFL. He delivered emphatically on that goal but found it tough with his boys in the top flight.
Although many have speculated that the pressure of his first NPFL job had gotten to him, it is still unclear why he left his role. However, his exit has given the club the opportunity for a different tactical approach that may fully yield fruit as the season progresses.
On the evidence of that performance against Bendel Insurance, more tactical tweaks will see them escape the drop. They already know that their home form must be better, and they must build on that result. They need home win predictions in their favour to become the norm.
Newly promoted teams in top divisions worldwide always face a peculiar dilemma. Those in charge have to decide between loyalty and ambition.
On the side of loyalty is the need to reward the group who earned the club promotion to the top flight, to keep faith with them even if they do not seem equipped to handle the rigours, quality and intensity of the new level.
On the side of ambition is the need to strengthen the squad with players who have the experience and required quality to keep the club at the top.
Neither side brings any guarantees as there are no sure odds in football, but most teams who have kept their status opted to err on the side of ambition.
It doesn’t always work, and when that happens, it can be disastrous. Queens Park Rangers are a classic example.
Their 14/15 season in the Premier League saw them finish last with a lowly 30 points despite filling their squad with top flight has-beens like Rio Ferdinand, Mauricio Isla, Sandro, Niko Kranjčar and Mauro Zarate. They have not returned to the Premier League since then.
Herculean Task
The task before Ikorodu City is a hard one, one that many before them have found impossible. Yet, they have chosen the hardest way possible, their way. Not many teams are brave enough to opt for loyalty and sticking with the tradition they have established at the club.
Where others would have panicked, they have stuck to their guns, retaining their commitment to the club’s values, hoping to ultimately reap great rewards.
They have a youth policy that some may describe as naive in top flight football, reflected in the fact that they have the youngest squad in the league, with an average age of 22. While the club’s goal is obviously to win, youth development is as much a priority.
The club, who are neither bankrolled by a billionaire nor state-owned, are community-owned and a symbol of hope for the community that they represent. For them, it is not enough to win, it has to be done with the club’s philosophy front and centre.
Naturally, there have been teething problems. Their maiden NPFL campaign has not started well; they lost 4 of their first 5 games, remarkably grabbing their only point in that run away against Kwara United.
What is more remarkable is the fact that they could and should have won against the reigning Champions, Rangers International, considering how much pressure they put on their more illustrious opponents.
Observers at the game noted that they had given the Champions too much respect in the opening half, which is understandable considering their lack of experience and youth. Still, their roaring performance in the second half gave everyone a glimpse of what they are capable of against the best in the land.
That finally bore fruit when they demolished Bendel Insurance in their 6th game, securing their first win of the season. 3-0 was their reward for an imperious performance.
Ahead of that game, their hopes of garnering their first win received a blow following the sudden resignation of their promotion-winning coach, Bright Ozegbagbe.
He had come into the club back in February, with a mandate to lead them into the NPFL. He delivered emphatically on that goal but found it tough with his boys in the top flight.
Although many have speculated that the pressure of his first NPFL job had gotten to him, it is still unclear why he left his role. However, his exit has given the club the opportunity for a different tactical approach that may fully yield fruit as the season progresses.
On the evidence of that performance against Bendel Insurance, more tactical tweaks will see them escape the drop. They already know that their home form must be better, and they must build on that result. They need home win predictions in their favour to become the norm.
The On-Pitch Issues
● Lack of Experience
The most obvious issue they are dealing with is the lack of experience within the squad. It was expected before the season even started, especially as they kept faith with youth and decided to trust most of the group that brought them here.
The NPFL is one of the toughest leagues in the world, one that even experienced legs find daunting. Apart from the exceptional quality across the league, there is also pressure all-round. Even the most gifted players can find the pressure difficult to thrive with.
● Pressing Intensity
The other big issue they have struggled with is the intensity of the league. While the lower divisions in Nigeria are known for their intensity, nothing compares to the intensity standard in the top division.
Teams generally play a relentless pressing game that even Jurgen Klopp in his prime would find fascinating. It can take some time for a newly promoted side, full of players who have never experienced anything quite like it, to adjust and handle.
The team still struggles with it, consistently losing the ball after falling into clever pressing traps.
● Being Too Reactive
The next coach of the club has his work cut out for him. The team has so far struggled to impose its identity on games, often being too reactive rather than proactive.
Sometimes, it is probably due to them respecting their opponents too much, as it was against Rangers International. Other times, it is a result of a lack of conviction in their play, which hands the initiative to their opponents.
Their penchant for reacting after that has happened, ultimately playing catch-up and having to go gung-ho to salvage something has held them back so far.
The early stages of games are key, if they will start imposing themselves and their identity on games. So far, they have not led in any game and have scored only one goal.
● Not Creating Enough
The youngsters are struggling to create clear cut chances. The approach to chance creation has been too predictable and easy to thwart so far.
There is a direct correlation between the volume of chance creation and a team’s ability to score and pick up points. Simply put, the teams who win consistently do volume in the things that bring home points, specifically creation and consequently goalscoring.
The team has so far been unable to be dominant in the half spaces and zone 14, and seem incapable of using smart movement and ball manipulation in the tighter spaces to unlock blocks.
The On-Pitch Issues
● Lack of Experience
The most obvious issue they are dealing with is the lack of experience within the squad. It was expected before the season even started, especially as they kept faith with youth and decided to trust most of the group that brought them here.
The NPFL is one of the toughest leagues in the world, one that even experienced legs find daunting. Apart from the exceptional quality across the league, there is also pressure all-round. Even the most gifted players can find the pressure difficult to thrive with.
● Pressing Intensity
The other big issue they have struggled with is the intensity of the league. While the lower divisions in Nigeria are known for their intensity, nothing compares to the intensity standard in the top division.
Teams generally play a relentless pressing game that even Jurgen Klopp in his prime would find fascinating. It can take some time for a newly promoted side, full of players who have never experienced anything quite like it, to adjust and handle.
The team still struggles with it, consistently losing the ball after falling into clever pressing traps.
● Being Too Reactive
The next coach of the club has his work cut out for him. The team has so far struggled to impose its identity on games, often being too reactive rather than proactive.
Sometimes, it is probably due to them respecting their opponents too much, as it was against Rangers International. Other times, it is a result of a lack of conviction in their play, which hands the initiative to their opponents.
Their penchant for reacting after that has happened, ultimately playing catch-up and having to go gung-ho to salvage something has held them back so far.
The early stages of games are key, if they will start imposing themselves and their identity on games. So far, they have not led in any game and have scored only one goal.
● Not Creating Enough
The youngsters are struggling to create clear cut chances. The approach to chance creation has been too predictable and easy to thwart so far.
There is a direct correlation between the volume of chance creation and a team’s ability to score and pick up points. Simply put, the teams who win consistently do volume in the things that bring home points, specifically creation and consequently goalscoring.
The team has so far been unable to be dominant in the half spaces and zone 14, and seem incapable of using smart movement and ball manipulation in the tighter spaces to unlock blocks.
● The Example to Follow
Examples abound of newly promoted teams across the world establishing themselves as top-flight sides consistently punching above their weight.
Girona’s recent meteoric rise to the top 4 of Spanish football is worth noting, as well as the likes of Lens and Brest in France. In fact, there was a point last season when people started to think that Girona could be La Liga winners. But it is in the English Premier League that the most adaptable example for Ikorodu City exists.
The blueprint they can look to is Brentford’s, although the recent resignation of their manager is at odds with the stability Brentford have had under Thomas Frank. Still, Frank’s methods are full of lessons.
Brentford are now in their fourth season in the top flight since their promotion in 2021, despite not featuring favourably in EPL football predictions when they arrived, and they continue to be a hard nut to crack for all kinds of sides.
The reasons are quite simple and effective. Frank’s side play a direct and vertical style that prioritises the relentless mopping of second balls, high volume duelling in the air and on the ground, and smart rotations in attack.
They are also adept at disruptions with how they press the opposition. What many see as Ikorodu City’s weakness is actually a strength, their youth. If you want to play a strong pressing game, having young players gives you a massive advantage, provided you give them a great structure that allows them to be optimal.
Brentford’s directness, especially early on, is something that Ikorodu City can apply. In recent games, it has produced early leads in four consecutive Premier League games.
That kind of advantage would be invaluable for Ikorodu City, who would greatly benefit from playing a quick counter-attacking game against sides desperately seeking an equaliser. The positioning of their players and the quality of rotations in attack will also ensure that they are able to win second balls in the final third.
One major thing that newly promoted teams must prioritise, if they are to survive in the cutthroat top flight, is high volume duelling. It is a non-negotiable that gives them the best odds for a sustained stay in the top flight, one that Brentford are masters at.
An inexperienced team simply has to push focus to battles it is more likely to win, and duelling is one. Whether in the air or on the ground, they have to be well-positioned to be experts at it. There also needs to be a balance between technical and physical quality, almost at a 50-50 rate.
Finally, the defensive structure is key. Ikorodu City have to implement a more compact defensive structure that eliminates spaces for penetrative passes between the lines and around the last line of their defence.
They have to force teams to areas where there is less danger and control what those teams are able to do on the ball. The understanding that they can control a game out of possession will open up new possibilities.
● Looking Forward
The question everyone is asking is whether that win has turned the tide for this team. Can they sustain it? Was it a freak result? Their performance in their next game away at Heartland could give a picture, although their next home game may give a clearer picture.
Can they do better? Will they create enough to score more? Will they grab all three points or at least avoid defeat? With this team, anything is possible. Their quick promotion to the top flight is the evidence.
● The Example to Follow
Examples abound of newly promoted teams across the world establishing themselves as top-flight sides consistently punching above their weight.
Girona’s recent meteoric rise to the top 4 of Spanish football is worth noting, as well as the likes of Lens and Brest in France. In fact, there was a point last season when people started to think that Girona could be La Liga winners. But it is in the English Premier League that the most adaptable example for Ikorodu City exists.
The blueprint they can look to is Brentford’s, although the recent resignation of their manager is at odds with the stability Brentford have had under Thomas Frank. Still, Frank’s methods are full of lessons.
Brentford are now in their fourth season in the top flight since their promotion in 2021, despite not featuring favourably in EPL football predictions when they arrived, and they continue to be a hard nut to crack for all kinds of sides.
The reasons are quite simple and effective. Frank’s side play a direct and vertical style that prioritises the relentless mopping of second balls, high volume duelling in the air and on the ground, and smart rotations in attack.
They are also adept at disruptions with how they press the opposition. What many see as Ikorodu City’s weakness is actually a strength, their youth. If you want to play a strong pressing game, having young players gives you a massive advantage, provided you give them a great structure that allows them to be optimal.
Brentford’s directness, especially early on, is something that Ikorodu City can apply. In recent games, it has produced early leads in four consecutive Premier League games.
That kind of advantage would be invaluable for Ikorodu City, who would greatly benefit from playing a quick counter-attacking game against sides desperately seeking an equaliser. The positioning of their players and the quality of rotations in attack will also ensure that they are able to win second balls in the final third.
One major thing that newly promoted teams must prioritise, if they are to survive in the cutthroat top flight, is high volume duelling. It is a non-negotiable that gives them the best odds for a sustained stay in the top flight, one that Brentford are masters at.
An inexperienced team simply has to push focus to battles it is more likely to win, and duelling is one. Whether in the air or on the ground, they have to be well-positioned to be experts at it. There also needs to be a balance between technical and physical quality, almost at a 50-50 rate.
Finally, the defensive structure is key. Ikorodu City have to implement a more compact defensive structure that eliminates spaces for penetrative passes between the lines and around the last line of their defence.
They have to force teams to areas where there is less danger and control what those teams are able to do on the ball. The understanding that they can control a game out of possession will open up new possibilities.
● Looking Forward
The question everyone is asking is whether that win has turned the tide for this team. Can they sustain it? Was it a freak result? Their performance in their next game away at Heartland could give a picture, although their next home game may give a clearer picture.
Can they do better? Will they create enough to score more? Will they grab all three points or at least avoid defeat? With this team, anything is possible. Their quick promotion to the top flight is the evidence.
● Bet on Ikorodu City to win against Heartland
@6.40
There is still so much football to be played this season, with many twists and turns along the way. Be sure to get on BetKing, the best betting site in Nigeria with the best betting app and the best odds, in order to get good profits betting on the NPFL.
Ikorodu City could offer great value in the coming months, as they adapt to the top flight. If you don’t already have an account, Sign Up now, book a bet and start having fun!
There is still so much football to be played this season, with many twists and turns along the way. Be sure to get on BetKing, the best betting site in Nigeria with the best betting app and the best odds, in order to get good profits betting on the NPFL.
Ikorodu City could offer great value in the coming months, as they adapt to the top flight. If you don’t already have an account, Sign Up now, book a bet and start having fun!