Strykers Re-Sign Qudus Lawal to New Three-Year Deal

Veteran attacker impressed after joining halfway through 2025–26 MASL campaign

Ontario, Calif. — The Empire Strykers today announced they have re-signed forward Qudus Lawal through the 2028–29 Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) season, rewarding the 30-year-old forward for his gritty, team-first play after joining the club just after the halfway point of the 2025–26 regular season. Securing Lawal’s services marks the latest in a series of moves by the Strykers designed to retain the core of their roster for long-term stability and cohesion.

“It’s amazing to be back with this team,” said Qudus Lawal in a written statement. “After falling just short in the first round of the playoffs, it feels like we have unfinished business. I’m not someone who runs from a challenge like that, and I’m especially motivated because this club values and respects me for what I bring on and off the field. We finished last season strong and laid the foundation for where we want to go. I’m excited to be part of that and hungry to win a championship.”

Born in Agarawu and raised in Surulere Shitta, both located in Nigeria, Lawal came to the U.S. at a young age and developed an affinity for the country before permanently moving to Chicago without his parents at just 14 years old. After losing a friend to gun violence as a teenager, the young immigrant suffered a gunshot wound himself. He subsequently leaned on soccer as an emotional outlet and a refuge that helped him refocus and discover new goals for his life.

Lawal enjoyed a highly successful senior season at Chicago’s Stephen Tyng Mather High School and also represented Chicago Fire Juniors as well as another elite youth club in Raiders FC. After graduating, he joined the Chicago Fire Academy and, following a successful trial, signed professionally with Seattle Sounders FC 2 of the USL’s top tier in 2015. He finished that season with league rivals Wilmington Hammerheads and remained with the side through 2016.

After a stint with Chicago-based RWB Adria, Lawal returned to the USL’s highest level with Fresno FC in 2019, the organization’s final year in existence. He subsequently ventured into the MASL for the first time, making several appearances for the St. Louis Ambush during the 2019–20 season, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, Lawal briefly competed in the USL Championship with San Diego Loyal SC before moving abroad for stints with KF Bylis and Haras El Hodoud SC, competing in the first divisions of Albania and Egypt, respectively.

The experienced forward returned to the indoor game with the Milwaukee Wave during the 2022–23 and 2024–25 seasons, with two USL League One campaigns for Central Valley Fuego FC sandwiched in between. 2022-23 ranks as his most impactful MASL campaign to date, as it saw him become a key contributor on a Wave squad that finished atop the East and made it to the conference final. At the end of the regular season, Lawal averaged nearly a point per game, and he would add four goals and one assist in five playoff appearances.

Following his arrival this past January, the veteran attacker immediately became a regular in the Empire lineup. He would go on to record two goals in 14 appearances while earning praise for his tireless defensive work from an attacking position.

Over the course of his MASL career, Lawal has recorded 17 goals and five assists for 22 points in 43 appearances

“Qudus is a team player through and through,” said Strykers Head Coach Robert Palmer. “He’s always willing to make sacrifices for the good of the group and embraces whatever role he’s asked to play without hesitation. His professionalism, unselfish attitude, and commitment to those around him make him an invaluable part of our roster. Every coach wants players who put the team first, and Qudus does that every single day.”

With the new MASL campaign kicking off in late 2026, anyone looking to buy Empire Strykers single-game or season tickets should keep an eye out for the official schedule release in the fall. Strykers fan gear is available year-round via our online store.

The Strykers are the premier indoor soccer team in the Inland Empire and one of two top-tier pro indoor soccer teams in California. As a founding member of the MASL, the Empire organization prides itself on fielding one of the best small-sided teams in the world.

If you’re IE-based and looking to compete, you may have found yourself wondering, “Where can I find an indoor soccer league near me?” If so, feel free to reach out. We’re well connected in the area and might just be able to help. High-level players may even have a shot at joining our reserve team, the Empire Jets, and entering the pathway to our senior squad.