Confirmed: History-making defender eligible for Nigeria, United States joins Bournemouth

With a statement on their official website, Premier League club Bournemouth have confirmed the signing of American-born Nigerian central defender Matai Akinmboni from DC United.

The Cherries have not disclosed the length of the contract but stated that the United States U20 international has signed a multi-year deal.

Akinmboni made history on on September 10, 2022 when he became the youngest player of Nigerian descent to debut in Major League Soccer, starting for DC United in a goalless draw against Real Salt Lake at the age of 15 years and 328 days.

Bournemouth have pulled off a transfer coup by luring him to the Vitality Stadium as he was tracked by a number of European clubs.

He trained with German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, La Liga team Villarreal and EFL side Swansea City in the past.

After representing Loudoun United, the teenager signed a homegrown contract and went on to make 17 appearances for DC United in all competitions.

Commenting on the signing of Akinmboni, Bournemouth's first-team technical director Simon Francis said: "We are delighted to sign Matai to a long-term deal with AFC Bournemouth.

"He is an exciting young player we have been monitoring for an extended period and have been impressed by his progress.

"Matai is a player we believe has a very bright future and we are looking forward to seeing him develop with us."

The 18-year-old Akinmboni 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.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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