On Saturday, 20th September 2025, Tonic FC achieved a breakthrough that every grassroots club dreams of. Five of its young players signed youth contracts with Portuguese side SC Esmoriz.
For Isa Riliwan Ayodele, Oyetola Ayomide Ayuba, Okiye Gideon Oseghale, Adebowale Sheriff Olamide, and Onuoha Chidiebere Fabian, this isn’t just a transfer; it’s the beginning of structured European training and a real shot at the professional game.
This achievement also ripples beyond football. In communities where distractions and vices often pull young people away from their dreams, the success of these five boys is a reminder that when discipline meets opportunity, doors open. It also signals that even bigger stories may be on the way.
Five Tonic FC Stars Earn a Shot at Europe
It’s not every day you see five players from one local club sign for the same European side, but that’s precisely what happened with Tonic FC. When SC Esmoriz came calling, it wasn’t luck; it was the result of months of hard work, raw talent, and consistency.
What caught the scouts’ eyes wasn’t just flair or highlight-reel moments; it was the boys’ discipline, awareness, and hunger to keep improving every single game.
Signing one player would’ve been a win, but signing five at once says a lot about the trust Esmoriz has in what Tonic FC is building.
The contracts are more than paperwork; they’re a launchpad. Although it’s not full pro football yet, it’s structured European training, tougher competition, and a real chance to show they belong.
A Landmark Moment for Tonic FC’s Vision
When Cardtonic decided to start Tonic FC, it wasn’t about adding another local team to Nigeria’s crowded football scene. The goal was clear from day one: to find raw Nigerian talent, give them real structure, and create a pathway that could take them beyond local leagues and onto the global stage.
Fast forward to 2025, and that vision is starting to pay off. Five players from one squad signing youth contracts in Europe isn’t just a proud moment; it’s proof that the system works. It shows that Nigerian players, when given the right environment, can meet the standards European scouts are looking for, not just in skill, but in attitude, discipline, and consistency.
For the rest of the team, this moment is different. It’s more than a celebration; it’s a reminder that the door is open because if their teammates can rise from community pitches to Portugal, then with hard work and focus, their shot might be next.
Closing Thoughts What looks like a simple transfer on paper is much bigger in reality. Five boys from Tonic FC are not just heading to Portugal; they’re carrying the hopes of their families, teammates, and communities with them.
As Dapo Ajibade, the club’s general overseer, said: “The youth around are watching. Everybody wants to be involved in what is worthy now. They don’t want to be involved in social vices; they want to impact their community positively.”
Source: Channels TV
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