Matai Akinmboni: Bournemouth on the verge of signing youngest-ever Nigerian to debut in MLS

English Premier League club Bournemouth are reportedly on the brink of announcing the signing of American-born Nigerian central defender Matai Akinmboni.

The Maryland native became the youngest player of Nigerian descent to debut in Major League Soccer on September 10, 2022, starting in DC United's goalless draw against Real Salt Lake, aged 15 years and 328 days.

He joined DC United Academy at the age of nine, rising through the youth ranks to make his first team debut.

Sky Sports UK is reporting that the deal for the highly-regarded centre-back is worth £1m with add-ons and he is due to fly into the United Kingdom in the next 24 hours.

Matai Akinmboni had previously been linked with moves to European clubs, having trained with German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, La Liga team Villarreal and EFL side Swansea City, but nothing materialized.

Since his historic debut in Major League Soccer, he has totaled thirteen appearances in the division.

On the international stage, Akinmboni trained with United States U17 before progressing to the U19s and has already made his debut for the U20s.

The 18-year-old is eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian parents Taiye and Abiola Akinmboni, who hail from Idanre in Ondo State and Lagos State respectively.

Akinmboni has a contract with DC United until the end of the 2025 MLS season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: dcunited.com

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