Official: ‘Excellent’ Nigerian midfielder quits Europe for MLS

Major League Soccer giants FC Cincinnati have announced the signing of tough-tackling Nigerian midfielder Obinna Nwobodo from Goztepe on a three-year deal with an option for a fourth.

Goztepe only paid Hungarian side Ujpest half a million euros to secure the services of Nwobodo two years ago, but they are believed to have received almost three million euros before sanctioning his move to Cincinnati.

Nwobodo’s move to the Major League Soccer, however, comes as a surprise, with the 25-year-old one of the most dominant central midfielders in the Turkish top flight.

The former Enugu Rangers ace made the most tackles (121) and the most ball recoveries (432) of any player in the Super Lig this year.

A switch to one of Europe’s more significant leagues would have been apt for the former youth international who may have waved away his chance to earn his first Super Eagles call-up.

FC Cincinnati are, however, delighted to welcome Nwobodo to the TQL Stadium in Ohio, with the head coach of the Orange and Blue Pat Noonan calling him an ‘excellent’ addition to his squad.

“Obinna is an elite ball-winning midfielder that adds a different dynamic to our team,” coach Noonan said via MLSoccer.

“His ability to break up plays, combined with his forward-first mentality make him an excellent addition to our group.”

Only founded three years ago, FC Cincinnati will hope Nwobodo can help the club perform better than their 14th-placed finish in the Eastern Conference of the MLS last season.