Championship side Ipswich Town has officially announced the signing of eleven new academy scholars for the 2025–2026 season, including two Nigerian-eligible players, Jayden Adetiba and Kellyan Olawole.
The Tractor Boys confirmed that both youngsters put pen to paper on scholarship deals at Portman Road last month, with family and friends present to celebrate the milestone.
These deals mark an important step in their development, as all U17 players must start the season on scholarship terms before becoming eligible to sign professional contracts at 17, according to EFL regulations.
Adetiba, a striker born in 2009 from Northfleet, Kent, joins Ipswich Town from Arsenal, while Olawole, a centre-back from Salford, Greater Manchester, arrives from Everton.
Adetiba is eligible to play for Nigeria, England, and the United Arab Emirates, but he has already represented the UAE at U17 level.
He played a key role in the team’s qualification for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, contributing two assists in four appearances during the qualifiers.
Both players were unable to make their U18 Premier League debuts while at Arsenal and Everton, but the move to Ipswich Town gives them a new platform to showcase their talent and continue their development in a competitive academy environment.
The club expressed excitement at welcoming the duo and highlighted their potential to progress through the academy ranks, with hopes that both players could one day make a significant impact at the professional level.
