CARY, N.C. (August 27, 2018) – North Carolina FC has bolstered its roster as it continues a late-season playoff push by signing veteran midfielder Victor Igbekoyi, pending league approval and receipt of his P1 Visa.



“First off, I need to thank the management of the team, especially Head Coach Colin Clarke for giving me a chance to be here,” said Igbekoyi. With the help of the coaches and the team, we want to achieve the best possible results.”



“I see him in central midfield as a six,” added Clarke. “He’s a good passer and has good mobility to get around the park. He’s got a little bit of bite about him. He gets stuck in tackles. He’s a smart player and will add good depth at an important time of the season.”



Igbekoyi joins NCFC after previously spending the entirety of his 12-year career in the Azerbaijan Premier League, the country’s top level of competition. During his stint in the league, the Nigerian logged over 20,000 minutes and notched over 40 goals, suiting up for four different teams. Additionally, Igbekoyi brings Europa League experience, having played and scored in the competition in 2011.



Most recently, Igbekoyi played with Zira FK for the past three seasons, starting in 50 games while scoring five goals during his time with the club.



Igbekoyi spent the majority of his playing career at Şüvəlan FK from 2009-15, scoring 23 times in 156 appearances. His most productive season came during the 2011-12 campaign, as he tallied eight goals in 29 matches.



As a youngster, Igbekoyi made his professional debut at 19 years old with Turan in 2006. In his lone season with the club, Igbekoyi played 30 matches and finished with 12 goals. Igbekoyi’s next stop took him Qarabağ FK, where he spent two seasons, appearing in 25 games and scoring eight goals.



NCFC roster as of Aug. 27:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Alex Tambakis, Austin Guerrero



DEFENDERS (6): Peabo Doue, Michael Harrington, Connor Tobin, D.J Taylor, Steven Miller, Aarón Guillén



MIDFIELDERS (12): Austin da Luz, Kyle Bekker, Zach Steinberger, Victor Igbekoyi, Andre Fortune, Wullito Fernandes, Graham Smith, Cameron Steele, Bernard Luxbacher, Marcel Kandziora, Tiyi Shipalane, Nelson Blanco



FORWARDS (3): Donovan Ewolo, Daniel Rios, Marios Lomis



Tickets for NCFC’s upcoming home match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. are still on sale and are available online, in-person at the Coastal Credit Union Box Office over the phone at 919-459-8144.



Player Profile:

Name: Victor Kayode Igbekoyi

Position: Midfielder

Jersey Number: 4

Birthdate: 9/1/1986 (Age 31)

Hometown: Ondo State, Nigeria

Height: 5’11

Weight: 161 lbs

Citizenship: Nigeria

Previous Club: Zira FK

Transaction: North Carolina FC has signed Victor Igbekoyi.

###