United have acquired Nigerian forward Kennedy Igboananike from the Chicago Fire in exchange for targeted allocation money and the natural third round selection in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
Igboananike (pronounced ig-bo-ah-na-knee-kay) has scored 11 goals and recorded four assists in his two seasons in Major League Soccer. The Nigerian has played in 18 matches for the Fire in 2016 (starting every match) and accounted for over a quarter of the Fire’s goals. Prior to his arrival in MLS, he scored 64 goals across all competitions over eight seasons in Sweden.
“We are pleased to have acquired Kennedy,” Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said. “He has shown in a short amount of time in MLS that he is a dangerous attacker who can create and score goals. ”
Igboananike began his career in Sweden with second-division side Djurgardens IF in 2007 before signing with Vasalunds IF the following year, where he scored 30 goals across all competitions over two seasons. He returned to Djurgardens IF in 2010, where he played for three years (including 2012 alongside Alhaji Kamara). The Nigerian then transferred to Stockholm giants AIK in 2013 and scored 22 goals and recorded five assists in all competitions over two seasons. Igboananike also scored the first goal in 2-0 UEFA Europa League qualifying victory against Northern Irish side Linfield on July 24, 2014.
He made his MLS debut against the LA Galaxy on March 6, 2015, and scored his first goal against the Montreal Impact several months later on May 30.
The Chicago Fire will retain Igboananike’s Designated Player tag.
Igboananike is scheduled to join the team tomorrow and is expected to be available for selection in the team’s match on Sunday against Montreal.
Full Name: Chibuike Kennedy Igboananike
Position: Forward
Birthplace: Nir-Igbo, Nigeria
Birthdate: 2/26/1989
Age: 27
Height: 5’ 9”
Weight: 154
Status: International
Transaction: D.C. United acquire Kennedy Igboananike from the Chicago Fire in exchange for targeted allocation money and the natural third round selection in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
