Background
Born in Jos, Nigeria, Francis Ikechukwu grew up with well-known players from Jos such as John Obi Mikel and Obinna Nsofor.
Born in Jos, Nigeria, Francis Ikechukwu grew up with well-known players from Jos such as John Obi Mikel and Obinna Nsofor.
He began his career some local amateur sides Ecwa Development Football Club and Delta Force (both based in Delta State in Nigeria). He then went on trials in Sudan with other Nigerian players such as Malikh Isaac, for Khartoum Football Club, who were then playing in the Sudanese Second Division. In 2008 he led Khartoum Football Club to the Sudanese Premier league and emerged as one of the top players in Sudan.
His exploits drew the attention of another Sudanese club, First Rate (at Lloyd's) Ahly Shandi, who signed him after paying a transfer fee to Khartoum Football Club. Francis led both teams into the African Confederations Cup, appearing 4 times successively.
He one of many Nigerian players who has played in Sudan over the years (other players from Nigeria were the late Endurance Idahor, Kelechi Osunwua, Stephen Worgu and Malik Isaac).
Francis Ikechukwu was a member of the Nigeria U-23 selection during the buildup to the 2012 Olympic Qualifiers, but was dropped from the squad.