The Columbus Crew announced that it has signed Nigerian Under-23 National Team midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo. Per club and league policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.
Ekpo, who participated in much of the Crew's preseason training, had returned to his native Nigeria in March to take part in CAF Olympic Qualifying. Ekpo and Nigeria took care of business in qualifying action, defeating South Africa, 3-0, on March 26, to advance to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
"We are thrilled to get this significant signing in within the transfer window," said Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss. "Our group has put a lot of work into this process, from getting him into preseason training so we could evaluate him to getting all of the paperwork completed behind the scenes. We now look forward to getting him integrated back into the team so he can do what we all think he is capable of."
In addition to Olympic Qualifying, Ekpo has participated in African Games qualifying.
"We are very excited to have Emmanuel join our team," said Crew Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "He played well with us in Florida (during preseason) and he presents a number of options for us. He has the ability to play in the attacking part of midfield, centrally, and out wide, as well. He is a player with international experience and a very bright future ahead of him."
Founded by American sports pioneer Lamar Hunt, the Columbus Crew is Ohio's Major League Soccer club, anchoring a diverse sports and entertainment enterprise. One of the league's Charter Members and U.S. Open Cup champion in 2002, it is currently in its 13th season overall and 10th in first-of-its-kind Columbus Crew Stadium.
Emmanuel Ekpo
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-2
Weight: 165
Born: December 20, 1987 (Ekori, Nigeria)
Hometown: Ekori, Nigeria
Citizenship: Nigeria
Last Team: Enyimba International FC (Nigeria)
How Acquired: Signed by the Crew on April 15, 2008
Professional Experience: Rovers of Calabar, Nigerian Division One League; Akwa United, Nigerian Premier League (2006-07); Enyimba FC, Nigerian Premier League (2007)
