Obinna Emmanuel Nwobodo (footballer who plays as a midfielder for Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati.
; born 29 November 1996) is a Nigerian professionalNwobodo started his youth career with FC Inter Enugu while completing his high school education in Enugu State, Nigeria. He was scouted while representing his high school in a football competition and later played for FC Inter in the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) and State FA cup. During a preseason friendly between Enugu Rangers and FC Inter Enugu, he put in a man-of-the-match performance that troubled the six-time Nigerian league champions, who promptly negotiated a deal to have him play professionally for them during the 2015–16 league season.[2]
After signing for Enugu Rangers, Obinna was promoted straight into the first team within a matter of weeks. He was handed his preferred number 8 shirt and registered as a central midfielder. Moving straight into the starting eleven, Nwobodo started majority of the early season games, making his league debut in the season opener against Nigerian league giants Kano Pillars.[3] He remained in the starting eleven afterwards with his playmaking and distribution helping take Rangers to the very top of the table during the 2016 season.[4]
Nwobodo was instrumental to Enugu Rangers's eventual title triumph, providing half of the assists for Chisom Egbuchulam's 16 goals and ending Rangers' 32-year wait for a 7th league title.[citation needed] On matchday 37 against Ikorodu United, he scored a goal-of-the-season contender; having sighted the Ikorodu United goalkeeper off his line, he scored with a lofted chip shot from almost 40 yards out. The tally was later increased to two when Nwobodo again made a spectacular run down the right and then delivered a prefect cross for Egbuchulam to simply tap home.[citation needed] That man-of-the-match performance cemented his place in the team of the season. He contributed 7 goals and 10 assists to finish as arguably the best midfielder in the league in his first professional season in the top flight of Nigerian football.[5][6] In December 2016, Nwobodo was presented with the best player award for his performance during the 2016 season by Enugu Rangers management.[7]
On 13 April 2022, Nwobodo signed for Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati as a Designated Player. He signed a contract through the 2024 season, with a club option for 2025.[8]
Enugu Rangers
FC Cincinnati
Nigeria U20