APR FC’s search for stability between the posts has taken a decisive turn, with Nigerian international goalkeeper Olorunleke Oluwasegun Ojo confirming he is on his way to Kigali to finalize talks with the Rwandan champions.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper, who was part of Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad that reached the final of AFCON 2023, is widely expected to sign for the military-backed side in the coming days. His arrival would signal a bold statement from APR FC at a time when the club is facing growing pressure in the Rwanda Premier League title race.
Ojo’s potential move comes in the immediate aftermath of APR’s 2-0 defeat to Al Hilal SC on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 a result that saw the Kigali giants surrender top spot in the league standings. The loss intensified scrutiny over the team’s defensive organization, particularly in goal, where inconsistency has become a major talking point among supporters.
In a video released by his agency, ATX Global Solutions, Olorunleke Ojo addressed APR FC fans directly, confirming that discussions were nearing completion.
“Hello APR fans. My name is Ojo Olorunleke, goalkeeper of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. I hope to be in Rwanda soon. Goodbye,” he said in a brief but symbolic message that quickly circulated across social media platforms.
The message may have been short, but its impact was immediate. For a club seeking renewed confidence and leadership at the back, Ojo represents both pedigree and personality.
Born on August 17, 1995, and standing at 1.90 meters tall, Ojo is no stranger to continental football. His journey to prominence began at youth level with Nigeria’s U-20 national team. Although he served primarily as a backup, he was part of the squad that won the 2015 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and later competed at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand the same year.
His breakthrough at senior level came in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), particularly during his time with Akwa United between 2017 and 2019. It was there that Ojo built a reputation as a penalty specialist a goalkeeper capable of turning high-pressure moments into defining saves.
In 2017, he played a pivotal role in Akwa United’s triumph in the Aiteo Cup (Federation Cup). His performances were so influential that he was named both the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Goalkeeper. Crucially, he saved penalties in both the semi-final and final, cementing his reputation as a big-match performer.
That blend of composure and leadership later earned him a move to Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most decorated clubs. Between 2021 and 2024, Ojo established himself not only as first-choice goalkeeper but also as captain. During the 2022/2023 season, he led Enyimba to the NPFL league title a campaign that underscored his ability to thrive under expectation and intense fan pressure.
His domestic consistency was rewarded with inclusion in Nigeria’s 25-man squad for AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire. Notably, Ojo was the only home-based player selected in that squad a reflection of the trust placed in him by the national team coaching staff.
Although he did not feature ahead of first-choice Stanley Nwabali and backup Francis Uzoho, Ojo finished the tournament as an AFCON silver medalist after Nigeria fell in the final. The experience further elevated his profile across the continent.
However, his recent career path has not been without challenges. After leaving Enyimba in mid-2024, Ojo signed for Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh SC. He featured in approximately four matches, including CAF Champions League fixtures. Yet political instability and security concerns affecting Sudanese football forced him to terminate his contract by mutual consent.
In March 2025, he moved to Ethiopia, joining Wolwalo Adigrat University FC on a short-term five-month contract aimed at helping the club avoid relegation. He played seven matches, with his last competitive appearance recorded in May 2025.
Since then, questions have emerged regarding match fitness and rhythm. By the end of 2025, Nigerian clubs including Shooting Stars (3SC), Kano Pillars, and Bendel Insurance expressed interest in bringing him back home. Ojo declined those offers, publicly stating his desire to continue his career outside Nigeria a decision that now appears to be guiding him toward Rwanda.
For APR FC, the timing of this move is critical.
The club currently sits second in the Rwanda Premier League table with 37 points, trailing Al Hilal after relinquishing first place. Defensive lapses have proven costly in key matches, and uncertainty in goal has become a growing concern.
First-choice goalkeeper Ishimwe Pierre was absent during the recent loss to Al Hilal. It later emerged that he had been temporarily assigned to train with the club’s feeder side, Intare FC, for one week. Reports indicated that his dip in form including performances in the Heroes Cup and against Bugesera FC along with off-field conduct issues, influenced the decision.
Head coach Abderrahim Talib later clarified that the move was intended to shield the player from mounting pressure from fans and the media rather than serve as punishment. Nevertheless, the situation exposed fragility in a position where stability is essential.
Hakizimana Adolphe, who stepped in as replacement, conceded twice in his first match back in goal. While not solely responsible for the defeat, the performance did little to calm nerves.
Against that backdrop, Olorunleke Ojo’s profile stands out. He is not merely a stopgap solution but a seasoned leader accustomed to commanding large dressing rooms and high expectations. Having captained Enyimba and competed in the CAF Champions League, he understands the demands of clubs with passionate fan bases a reality that closely mirrors life at APR FC.
His expertise in penalty situations could also prove decisive. APR have struggled in high-stakes knockout scenarios in recent seasons, and the presence of a goalkeeper renowned for penalty saves could shift psychological momentum in tight contests.
Still, concerns remain among supporters. Ojo has not played consistently since May 2025, raising legitimate questions about sharpness and immediate impact. Modern goalkeeping demands not only reflexes but also sustained competitive rhythm.
Fitness assessments and medical tests in Kigali will therefore carry significant importance. Club management has yet to issue an official announcement, but sources indicate that Ojo is expected to arrive soon to complete formalities.
Should the deal materialize, APR FC would secure a goalkeeper with international pedigree, proven leadership credentials, and continental experience qualities that align with the club’s ambition to dominate domestically and compete more convincingly in CAF competitions.
For Ojo, the move represents a new chapter and perhaps a fresh platform to reassert himself at the highest level of African club football. For APR FC, it is a calculated response to mounting pressure and a statement of intent as the title race intensifies.
In Kigali, expectations are rarely modest. If Olorunleke Ojo signs as anticipated, he will arrive not only as a reinforcement but as a figure entrusted with restoring confidence at the heart of APR’s defensive line.
The coming days could mark a turning point for both player and club.
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