After joining at a young age, Okoli has progressed steadily through the ranks, developing both as a player and as a person within the Academy.
He was part of the Under-15 side that won the U15 National Floodlit Cup in 2022/23, memorably scoring a sensational effort from inside his own half against Stoke City.
The combative midfielder earned a scholarship ahead of the 2024/25 season and made his Under-18 debut as a substitute against Arsenal in November 2024.
He made his first start the following month, helping the side to a 4-2 comeback win over Chelsea, before scoring his first goals for the club against West Ham United in January 2025 – including a remarkable 40-yard first-time strike that was nominated for the club’s Goal of the Season.
He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 13 appearances, two goals and one assist.
The 2025/26 season marked a major step forward, with Okoli named Under-18 Player of the Season after a standout campaign at the heart of Javier Alonso’s midfield. A near ever-present, he featured in 33 of 38 matches and played a central role in a historic year for the group, contributing five goals and nine assists in all competitions.
His influence included a 92nd-minute winner against Aston Villa to send Palace into their first FA Youth Cup semi-final in nearly 30 years, as well as a superb long-range strike against West Bromwich Albion.
A natural leader, Okoli captained the side on several key occasions, including the FA Youth Cup semi-final at Old Trafford and the Club’s first-ever Under-18 Premier League Cup triumph at Selhurst Park against Manchester United.
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