York’s Adekugbe sets example for Canada’s next generation

York United’s Elijah Adekugbe is a fine example for future stars in the Canadian Premier League on how to forge a path to success. 

The 28-year-old centre midfielder was born in England and played at the Manchester City academy before the family relocated to Calgary in 2004. 

Since then he has forged a career starting with the semi-professional Calgary Foothills, then to the newly formed Calvary FC of the brand new CPL, where he stayed for three seasons.

He has represented York United 45 times since 2023.    

“Seeing how much we’ve elevated as a sport within the whole country, and to say I played a small part in that, it just gives me gratitude,” said Adekugbe after practice this week at York University. “I’m grateful for the league and I hope to see it continue to grow”

Last season, he appeared a career-high 27 times while also recording 1572 passes, ranking fifth in the CPL, adding one goal and two assists.

The influential role he finds himself in at this stage of his career carries even more significance when he reflects on the challenge of overcoming tearing not one, but both of his achilles tendons. 

“Being told I would never play again to still being here, being able to make an impact on this team, and in this league, and in the game in Canada at whatever level, I’m passionate about that,” says the London, England, native.

“I hope people, if they look at my story, can see if you’re resilient and you believe in yourself. There’s no limits to what you can do.”

Adekugbe’s pathway through Canadian soccer has not gone unnoticed by his manager. 

Newly appointed Mauro Eustáquio, who signed on in November of 2024, believes Adekugbe can serve as an example for the next generation who aspire to reach the highest level in the sport through the CPL. A league he is very confident in.

“We got to continue on dreaming so as to be able to provide that opportunity for them to become professionals, which is something that hasn’t been consistent in Canada for the past couple of years.” said Eustáquio. 

“Now that we have that consistency, now that we have a professional league, now that we have professional teams, it’s up to us to continue to give this professional opportunity so they can have a career.”