EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Locomotive FC announced on Monday the club had signed midfielder Bolu Akinyode for the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval. 

“Bolu is an experienced and versatile player with a physical presence that makes him an exceptional ball-winner and a top passer that will help us maintain control and tempo of our matches,” Head Coach and Technical Director Brian Clarhaut said. “We are excited to bring Bolu to El Paso and know he will contribute to our culture here in front of our fantastic fans.”

A seasoned USL Championship veteran with 222 combined league and playoff appearances, the 29-year-old joins Locomotive FC after three seasons with Miami FC, where he helped the South Florida club clinch consecutive playoff berths in 2021 and 2022. Akinyode started in 90 of his 94 Championship appearances for Miami and led the team in interceptions (122), tackles won (204) and duels won (639) during his stint.

Before Miami, the Nigerian-born defensive midfielder competed in the Championship for the New York Red Bulls II (2015), Philadelphia Union II (2016), Nashville SC (2018-19) and Birmingham Legion FC (2020). He has logged 17,367 minutes of action in league play overall.