Nigerian players have plied their trade in many countries across the World, the United States of America being one of them. Over the years, players like Michael Emenalo and Obafemi Martins have donned the colours of Major League Soccer teams. In this article, we would like to point out the Nigerian footballers who currently play in the USA.
Nigerian players in the MLS
These are the Nigerian players currently in the Major League Soccer, the top tier of American football.
Obinna Nwobodo – Cincinnati FC
At the time of writing, Cincinnati have been by far the best team in the MLS this season. They currently have the best record, with at least eight more points than every other team in the league. It may interest you to know that a vital part of Cincinnati FC's midfield is Obinna Nwobodo. The 25 year old has been a regular for the club, starting 19 of their 22 games so far.
To be fair, Nwobodo is yet to play for Nigeria. However, he did represent the country at the 2015 African U20 Championship, playing every match as Nigeria won the title. Also, Obinna Nwobodo previously played in the NPFL, notching five goals in 44 appearances for Enugu Rangers.
Ibrahim Aliyu – Houston Dynamo
It's worth noting that Ibrahim Aliyu started playing in the MLS a couple of months ago; he had spent the last three years in Croatia, with 79 appearances for Lokomotiva Zagreb. Interestingly, the 21 year old winger has been in sensational form since he joined Houston Dynamo in April, registering four goals and two assists for the club. Like Nwobodo, Ibrahim Aliyu represented Nigeria at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Tani Oluwaseyi – Minnesota United
Tani Oluwaseyi got his second hat-trick for San Antonio FC tonight. He now has 9 goals in 9 matches so far in his loan spell! 💪🔝 pic.twitter.com/1dv8OEOH5O
— MNUFC_NEWS (@mnufcnews) July 8, 2023
Granted, Tani Oluwaseyi doesn't currently play for Minnesota United. Although he's currently under contract with the club, the 23 year old is on loan at San Antonio FC, a USL Championship side. Oluwaseyi has been San Antonio's player this season; he leads the team in both goals and assists, with nine goals and nine assists in nine matches.
Nnamdi Chinonso Offor and Ibrahim Sunusi – Montreal FC
Next up, we have a pair of Nigerian players who currently ply their trade for Montreal FC. Ibrahim Sunusi joined from Nasarawa United in 2021, while Nnamdi Chinonso Offor joined the team from Chicago Fire. Interestingly, both players have been an integral part of Montreal's attack, as they featured in almost all of the team's matches this season. Like the other Nigerian players we've mentioned, these two are yet to play for the Super Eagles.
William Agada – Sporting Kansas City
William Agada is currently sidelined due to a leg fracture, and hasn't played for Sporting Kansas City since April. However, he has been very efficient in front of goal for the club, registering nine goals in 20 matches. The 23 year old started his career at Mighty Jets International, in the Nigeria National League.
Nigerian players in lower American leagues
There are a few other Nigerian players we would like to mention. In the USL Championship, Bolu Akinyode plays for Miami FC, while Henry Uzochukwu joined Phoenix Rising from KuPS in January this year. Also, we have a couple of Nigerian players in the USL League One, including Northern Colorado Hailstorm's Lucky Onyebuchi Opara and Forward Madison's Stephen Payne.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
