Former Blackpool and Flying Eagles defender, Marvin Akpereogene Ekpiteta, has signed for SPFL side, Hibernian, on a free transfer, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old centre-back has spent most of his career in the lower English leagues, racking up over 220 appearances for East Thurrock United, Leyton Orient and Blackpool, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists.
Ekpiteta stands at 6ft 4 ft, a towering figure, and rose through the English football pyramid, winning promotion with both Leyton Orient and Blackpool. He also won Blackpool's Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year award in 2022, and captained them regularly in the 2022/23 campaign, highlighting his leadership qualities.
His contract at Bloomfield Road runs out at the end of the month, and ahead of the 2024/2025 football season, the central defender has signed for his first-ever top-tier side, penning a three-year deal with SPFL side, Hibernian.
“Marvin is someone I look forward to working with. He has great experience at a good level in England and adds extra leadership to the dressing room. Physically, he has all the attributes that fit the demands of Scottish football; he’s big, strong, dominant, very athletic, and will be an asset in both boxes. We’re pleased to bring him to the Club,” the club coach, David Gray said on Hibernian's official website.
The ex-Flying Eagles defender was also pleased to have joined the three-time Scottish Champions and looks to achieve something worthwhile in his time at the club.
“I liked everything about the club. The history and the opportunity to play at this level is different from where I'm coming from, so I'm looking forward to it. I'll give it my all constantly, I feel like I'm in my prime so my ambition is to get into Europe,” the experienced defender added.
In 2013, Ekpiteta was called up to the Nigeria U-20 team where he made two appearances. On 10 October 2018, Ekpiteta made his debut for the England C team in a 1–0 victory against Estonia U23.
