Tolu Oladunjoye, a promising Nigerian youth footballer, has joined Luton Town Academy in England after graduating from IMI Football Academy in Lagos, where he trained from 2021 to 2025.
Starting his football journey at age four, Tolu quickly stood out by competing two years above his age group. During his time at IMI, he earned multiple honours, including IMI Club Player of the Year (2024/25) and MI U9 Titans Most Valuable Player.
Luton Town announced Tolu’s signing in June as part of their 2025/26 Under-9 intake. Academy coach Jack Ainsworth praised his all-round ability, stating, “Tolu is an all-rounder who can score, assist and win the ball back.”
His move comes amid a broader trend in global football, where clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, and Leicester City are increasingly focusing on scouting youth talents from Africa, especially Nigeria.
Tolu’s transition from IMI to England reflects the growing visibility and value of structured Nigerian grassroots academies.
IMI Football Academy commended Tolu’s development, discipline, and leadership, describing him as a player who “leaves behind an inspiring legacy.”
Tolu now looks to continue his progress in Luton, joining a new generation of young Nigerian footballers breaking into European academies.
