The Houston Dynamo have signed Nigerian midfielder Rasheed Olabiyi, the club announced today. Olabiyi, who last played with Enyimba International FC of the Nigeria Premier League, will be added to the Dynamo roster immediately. Per club and league policy, terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The central midfielder (pronounced: Ra-sheed Oh-la-bee-ee) represented Nigeria at the Under-17, U-20 and U-23 levels and was a 2014 Nigeria Premier League Bext XI selection. A native of Ibadan, Olabiyi was a two-time MVP (2006, 2007) of the Lagos-based Pepsi Football Academy, which featured Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel and Monaco defender Elderson Echiejile in its youth ranks.
“We’re pleased to welcome Rasheed to the Houston Dynamo,” Dynamo vice president/general manager Matt Jordan said. “He’s been training with us and has integrated well within our group. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow in our environment and contribute to the success of the team as we begin the second half of our season.”
Olabiyi has spent his entire professional career with Enyimba, one of the largest clubs in Nigeria, after joining the Aba club in 2007. He helped the Peoples’ Elephants win the Nigeria Premier League in 2010 as well as three Nigeria FA Cups (2009, 2013, 2014) and two Nigeria Super Cups (2010, 2013). Enyimba also reached the semifinals of the CAF (African) Champions League in 2011.
The Nigerian is eligible for selection Friday as the Dynamo visit the San Jose Earthquakes at 10 p.m. CT (TV: UniMas).
RASHEED OLABIYI
Pronunciation: Ra-sheed Oh-la-bee-ee
Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: August 8, 1990
Birthplace: Ibadan, Nigeria
Height: 6’0”
Previous club: Enyimba International FC (Nigeria)
How acquired: Signed as a discovery player on July 9, 2015
