MIAMI (December 10, 2021) – The Miami FC announced on Friday that the club has agreed to a contract extension for midfielder Bolu Akinyode, pending league and federation approval. Akinyode joined Miami FC ahead of the 2021 USL Championship season and has been a key focal point of the club’s midfield third.
“We’re delighted to re-sign Bolu,” commented Head Coach Anthony Pulis. “Having someone with his experience and leadership qualities will be invaluable for the group this season. He’s a player within the league I’ve always admired from afar and I’m really looking forward to working with him this upcoming season.”
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Akinyode finished second on the team in minutes played (2,803) and matches played (32) in 2021. With his club-leading 125 tackles, Akinyode proved to be a crucial component to the function of the squad, providing a strong defensive figure in the midfield.
“I’m extremely happy to be returning to Miami FC,” said Akinyode. “This is a great club with tremendous ambition. The club welcomed me with open arms right from the start which I am extremely grateful for. We feel we have unfinished business, which makes us hungry and very excited for the 2022 USL Championship season.”
Akinyode joined Miami in 2021 after spending the previous campaign with USL Championship’s Birmingham Legion FC. Akinyode came to the United States at the age of 16 to join the New York Red Bulls Academy prior to going on to play collegiately for Seton Hall University. During his four years at Seton Hall, Akinyode appeared regularly for Red Bulls U23, and would later go on to officially sign with Red Bulls II in 2015.
After a successful rookie year at Red Bulls II, he signed with Philadelphia Union II (formerly known as Bethlehem Steel) where he would appear in 26 league matches. His performances led him to get picked up by North Carolina FC (formerly Carolina RailHawks) in 2017.
Akinyode’s talent caught the eyes of Nashville SC in 2018, signing him in their inaugural USL Championship Season. In his two seasons in Nashville, the Nigerian was one of the bright spots on Nashville’s roster, playing in 64 league and five U.S. Open Cup matches. He was consistently selected in the starting eleven while being in the top five in minutes played for the club in both seasons.
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