The Houston Dynamo have signed defender Sebastien Ibeagha, the club announced today. Per league and club policy, terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Ibeagha (pronounced: Ibby-ah-ga) is a product of the Dynamo Academy and enjoyed a stellar career at Duke University before beginning his professional career in Europe. The 24-year-old joined AC Horsens in Denmark in January 2014 and spent parts of the last two seasons on loan with FC Fredericia (Denmark) and Fram Reykjavik (Iceland).
“We are pleased to welcome Sebastien to the Houston Dynamo first team,” Dynamo VP/general manager Matt Jordan said. “Our staff had the opportunity to work with him during our postseason training camp in the fall, which provided the opportunity to see his progress after gaining valuable experience in Europe. We look forward to seeing him continue to grow in our environment and contribute to the success of the team.”
Born in Nigeria, Ibeagha moved to Houston at age 16 and joined the Dynamo Academy. The Fort Bend Hightower High School graduate was named Dynamo Academy Player of the Year in 2009 and earned USSF All-Central Conference Starting XI honors in 2009-10. Ibeagha made seven appearances for the U.S. Under-20 national team from 2010-11 and later was part of the U-23 national team pool.
“Since playing with the Academy years ago it was always a goal of mine to play in my hometown as a first team player,” Ibeagha said. “Today, I’ve finally reached that minor goal but I know it’s only the beginning. I want to thank Matt (Jordan) and Owen (Coyle) for giving me this great opportunity to grow as a player with an organization that has a bright future. I also want to thank [Dynamo director of youth development] James (Clarkson) for putting all that time into my development as a youth and being a direct influence on the player I am today. I am beyond excited for the journey ahead and I am more than ready to get to work.”
Ibeagha was a key player for Duke, serving as captain in his final two seasons. He started 16 or more games each season and made 70 total appearances across four seasons. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, was twice a first team All-ACC pick (2012, 2013), earned third team NSCAA All-America honors in 2013 and received NSCAA All-South Region recognition in all four seasons. Ibeagha joins former Duke teammate Andrew Wenger on the Dynamo.
TRANSACTION: Houston Dynamo sign defender Sebastien Ibeagha
SEBASTIEN IBEAGHA
Full Name: Sebastien Uchechukwu Ibeagha
Pronunciation: Ibby-ah-ga
Position: Defender
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 187 lbs.
Born: January 21, 1992
Place of Birth: Warri, Nigeria
Citizenship: USA and Nigeria
Last Club: AC Horsens & Fram Reykjavik
Acquired: Signed on January 26, 2016
