LAST SEASON:
Akpunonu was drafted 22nd overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati. He made 10 professional appearances during that season, one with the MLS club and nine with their MLS Next affiliate, FC Cincinnati 2.
OUTSIDE THE USL:
The phenom defender began his career at Pacesetter SC, where he helped the club win a State Cup championship. During his youth tenure, he developed enough to commit to Bowling Green State University in 2020. He took no time getting into the rotation, playing in 12 of 13 matches and making six starts his freshman year. In 2021, Akpunonu began competition with USL League 2 affiliate Toledo Villa. He spent two summers there from 2021 to 2022. In his 2021 sophomore year, he progressed even more, earning All-Mac and OCSA All-Ohio Second Team honors. Just as impressive, he was considered a MAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete, a short list of athletes that earned all-conference and academic all-conference accolades. His final year of collegiate soccer was his best in 2022, where he was listed on the All-MAC, All-North region, OCSA All-Ohio, OCSA academic All-Ohio, academic All-District, and academic All-American First Teams. During his three-season college career, he boasted eight goals and three assists with six of his goals coming in his final year. This accumulated in his university’s Male Athlete of the Year honors as a junior. This incredible performance granted him an invite to the 2022 Adidas MLS College Showcase, later being drafted 22nd overall.