Super Eagles hopeful Arumala completes Ittihad Alexandria move

Joseph Arumala has completed his move from Ikorodu City to Egyptian Premier League club Ittihad Alexandria after scoring 13 goals in the 2025-26 NPFL season. The 22-year-old Nigerian winger has signed with the Alexandria-based side, where he is expected to continue his development as a left-sided attacker.

Arumala joined Ikorodu City in August 2025 and became one of the league’s leading scorers during his first campaign. His 13-goal return placed him one behind the joint leaders Godwin Obaje, Victor Mbaoma and Jonathan Mairiga, who each finished with 14 goals.

His performances also brought him into the thinking of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. Chelle watched Ikorodu City’s 3-1 victory over Wikki Tourists at Mobolaji Johnson Arena on May 5, a match in which Arumala converted a 41st-minute penalty. Arumala, goalkeeper Michael Atata and midfielder Tosin Oyedokun were subsequently included in Nigeria’s provisional plans for the 2026 Unity Cup.

The transfer gives Arumala his first opportunity to play outside Nigeria and places him in a club competing in Egypt’s top division. Ittihad are 17th in the Egyptian Premier League with 36 points from 13 matches, having recorded three wins, seven draws and three defeats while scoring 14 goals and conceding 14.

Ittihad’s latest five league matches have produced two wins, two draws and one defeat. They drew 2-2 away to National Bank of Egypt, beat Ismaily SC 3-0, lost 1-0 at Ghazl El Mehalla, defeated El Geish 1-0 and drew 0-0 away to Coca-Cola. Their next listed fixture is an away match against Zamalek SC on August 21, 2026.

Arumala’s scoring record at Ikorodu City has now earned him a chance to establish himself in Egypt. Regular performances for Ittihad could also improve his prospects of receiving a future senior Super Eagles call-up under Chelle.