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Coach Bright Ozebagbe has returned to Ikorodu City FC with a plan that might not sound headline-grabbing at first, but in the unpredictable world of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), it could be the most important goal of all: stay in the “green zone” for as long as possible.
For those unfamiliar with the term, the “green zone” is what coaches call the safe stretch of the NPFL table, far enough from the relegation zone, close enough to dream of climbing higher or even contending for the title.
“When I returned [to Ikorodu City], a new target was set: to remain in the ‘green zone’ as long as possible. By the end of the season, we will see what that translates into,” Ozebagbe told Naija News earlier today, August 13.
This seems like a shift from the ambitions voiced by his predecessor, Nurudeen Aweroro, who left for Shooting Stars Sports Club in July after telling Naija News that the goal of the Lagos-based club was to challenge for the NPFL title. Ozebagbe, who previously guided Ikorodu City into the NPFL during the 2023-2024 season, is choosing a steadier approach.
“Ikorodu City is a project, and I’m happy to be part of it. Last season, our aim was to maintain our Premier League status, and we achieved that. I was pleased with the team’s performance. Now, we’re going to set new targets for ourselves,” he said.
Recall that Ozebagbe left Ikorodu City on mutual grounds in the middle of the 2024-2025 season. In his absence, Aweroro led the club to a 4th-place finish with 59 points in 38 games, a point away from continental football.
While away from the Oga Boys, Ozebagbe kept himself busy by taking on a coaching job at Ijobu United in the Nigerian National League (NNL) for a season. He has returned to Ikorodu City amid a restructured coaching setup.
The club’s former fitness trainer, Ali Kandil, has been promoted to head coach, tasked with managing the first team week-to-week, while Ozebagbe focuses on the broader football structure, from youth development to recruitment and long-term planning.
When pressed about his ambitions, the coach brushed aside any suggestion of personal glory.
He said, “Honestly, it’s not about me; it’s about the project. At the end of the day, whatever target or ambition we have for this season will become clear to everyone. I don’t want to make it personal; it’s all about the team. We’ll focus on our collective aims and objectives for the season, and work hard to achieve them.”
Ikorodu City’s survival last season was a quiet success in itself. For a club still cementing its place among Nigeria’s elite, staying in the “green zone” might not sound glamorous, but in a league where margins are razor-thin, it’s often the difference between long-term growth and starting over from scratch.
And if Ozebagbe’s calm, methodical tone is anything to go by, Ikorodu City’s 2025-2026 NPFL campaign won’t be built on noise, it will be built on staying power.
Ikorodu City’s track record in the last three years:
Promotion to NPFL: 2022/23 season under Bright Ozebagbe.
Last Season’s 4th-place Finish: Avoided relegation by a safe margin, surprisingly ending the campaign as a title contender.
Biggest Win: 6-0 home victory against Katsina United.
Toughest Loss: 4-1 away defeat to Remo Stars
2025-2026 Goal: Maintain NPFL status, contend for the title.
The post Exclusive: Coach Ozebagbe Sets ‘Green Zone’ Goal For Ikorodu City Ahead Of 2025/26 NPFL Campaign appeared first on Naija News.
