- Nationality
Canada- Most Recent Club
- York United FC
- Former Clubs
- Cavalry FC
- Post-Secondary Teams
- Trinity Western University Spartans
- Birthplace
- London, England
Born in London, England, and raised between Manchester and Calgary, Elijah Adekugbe has spent his career balancing talent with determination in the face of adversity. A central midfielder with vision and grit, Adekugbe is known as much for his leadership qualities as for his ability to connect play.
His soccer journey began in Manchester City’s academy, before his family moved to Calgary, where he joined Calgary Foothills and later the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency. Returning to Foothills, he matured into one of Canada’s most promising young midfielders. From 2014 to 2016, he starred at Trinity Western University, where he played 44 games, scored nine goals, and was named a Canada West First Team All-Star in 2016.
Elijah’s summers were spent with Calgary Foothills in the PDL, where he helped capture the 2018 PDL Championship, the first in the club’s history. His leadership and consistent performances made him a natural choice when the Canadian Premier League launched in 2019. Signing with Cavalry FC, he quickly became a vice-captain, anchoring the midfield during their run to both the Spring and Fall titles in the league’s inaugural year.
But his career was tested by adversity. A ruptured Achilles in 2017 and again in 2021 threatened to derail his progress. Cavalry coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. admitted: “Everyone at the club is gutted for Elijah… but he’s suffered this before and returned stronger.” True to those words, Adekugbe fought back, returning to competitive action each time with renewed determination. Reflecting on his own recovery, he wrote on Instagram: “…who else could tear their Achilles and be competing again before a year, jumping off the leg they injured at a high level…” — a testament to his mental and physical resilience.
In December 2022, Elijah signed with York United FC, marking the next chapter of his CPL journey. “It’s a new challenge, a new chapter… a new inspiration,” he told reporters, noting that his brother Sam’s World Cup appearances with Canada had motivated him to push even harder. With York, he quickly established himself as a midfield leader and was rewarded with a contract extension through 2025. “We did some good work… This club has the potential to win a championship,” he said upon re-signing.
Beyond the pitch, Elijah has become a visible figure in community outreach and personal projects, including OFFSZNS Best, a training platform he co-founded with fellow CPL player William Akio. His charisma even made waves at the 2024 CPL Awards, where a viral clip captured him rapping during the ceremony.
Now with over 100 CPL appearances, Elijah’s career is defined not by setbacks but by the strength with which he has overcome them. From Calgary to York, from university stardom to professional resilience, he continues to inspire teammates, fans, and young players who see in him proof that perseverance and passion can build a lasting legacy.