Malawi international Okedina joins Bohemia of Ireland

Experienced centre-back joins Gypsies on deal until end of 2026 season

Bohemian FC have completed the signing of centre-back Jubril Okedina, with the Malawi international putting pen to paper on a contract that runs until the end of the 2026 season.

The 24-year-old London-born defender arrives at Dalymount Park with considerable experience under his belt, having made 140 first-team appearances for Cambridge United over five seasons in League One. His move to the Gypsies represents the next step in a career that began in Tottenham’s academy system.

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Manager Alan Reynolds expressed his satisfaction at securing a player who had been high on his wish list for several months. The signing addresses a key area of concern following the departure of Seán Grehan earlier in the campaign.

“We have been looking to bring in an experienced centre-back over the past number of months since the departure of Seán Grehan and we wanted to make sure we brought in a player who will really strengthen our options in that position,” Reynolds explained.

“In Jubril we are really delighted to have brought in a player, who despite still being young, comes in with great experience at a really high level having played over 90 games in League One over the past four years.”

The Bohemian boss highlighted Okedina’s physical attributes and technical ability as key factors in the club’s pursuit of the defender. “He is a quick and strong defender, and a really good passer of the ball. I feel he is going to be a great addition to the squad, who brings real pace to our back line.”

Reynolds admitted the club had been patient in their search for the right defensive reinforcement. “We had to bide our time to get the right fit for what we wanted in that position, so we are delighted to get this over the line. We’ve an important couple of months ahead of us, so he is coming in at the right time.”

For Okedina, the move represents an opportunity to take his career to the next level with one of Ireland’s most storied clubs. The defender made no secret of his excitement about joining Bohemian FC and embracing the pressure that comes with representing such an institution.

“I am really excited to be here, it’s an honour to sign for one of the biggest clubs in Ireland,” Okedina said. “There are high expectations at the club and that is exactly what I want. The move came about quite quickly.”

The centre-back revealed that conversations with Reynolds played a crucial role in his decision to make the switch to Dublin. “I spoke to the gaffer and he explained to me how he sees my role in the team, the plans he has for me and the plans he has for the club. I was excited and drawn by what he had to say straight away, so it didn’t take long for me to put pen to paper.”

Okedina’s international credentials add another dimension to the signing. Having earned his first cap for Malawi in March 2024, making his debut in a match against Kenya, the defender brings international experience to Reynolds’ squad.

The new signing made clear his ambitions for his time in Dublin, with European qualification firmly in his sights. “I am looking forward to getting going straight away. I want to show the fans what I am about – I like to win, I’m aggressive, I enjoy the ball and I love to defend so I want to help improve the team, end the season on a high and help the club get back into Europe.”

Okedina’s arrival provides Reynolds with additional defensive options as Bohemian FC look to strengthen their position in the League of Ireland Premier Division and mount a challenge for European qualification in the crucial final months of the season.