Former HPU Men’s Soccer Player Fejiro Okiomah Signs with the Charlotte Eagles of USL Pro

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Former High Point University men’s soccer player Fejiro Okiomah has signed a professional contract with the Charlotte Eagles of USL-Pro. Okiomah is the fourth HPU men’s soccer player under head coach Dustin Fonder to sign a professional contract after leaving the Panthers.

“I am very proud that Fejiro was able to achieve his goal of becoming a professional soccer player,” Fonder said. “He developed an all-around game during his time at HPU, playing all over the field. He was a fantastic team leader who helped us reach new heights in his four years with the program. Fejiro is the latest player in our program to sign a professional contract and we are confident this trend will continue with future players.”

Okiomah started every game at center back for High Point and anchored a defense that allowed just 19 goals in 20 games as a senior in 2012. The Panthers recorded nine shutouts, tying the team’s Div. I single-season record. Okiomah finished the season with four points on two goals, scoring against Jacksonville and Campbell. He was named first-team All-Big South and was selected to the first-team All-South Atlantic Region by the NSCAA.

“I am really excited for this opportunity and ready to get the season started,” Okiomah said. “High Point really helped prepare me over the last four years and this is just a great opportunity for me to take the next step and try to turn soccer into a career. I have heard what the Eagles are about and have been impressed with what they have been doing in the USL. Their ability to compete is a testament to what this team is about and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Okiomah played at all three levels on the field during his HPU career, spending time at forward and in the midfield before settling in at defense as a junior. He finished his collegiate career fifth in the HPU Div. I record book with 19 goals, including 12 during his sophomore season. Okiomah is a four-time All-Conference selection and a two-time NSCAA All-Region selection.

Okiomah is the fourth HPU player under head coach Dustin Fonder to sign a professional soccer contract and the third to sign with a club from USL Pro. Former HPU midfielder Matt Tuttle signed with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2010 and Karo Okiomah, Fejiro’s brother, signed last season with the Rochester Rhinos last season. Shawn Sloan became the third player to sign a contract last week when he signed with the Columbus Crew of the MLS.

The Charlotte Eagles play in the USL Pro, the third tier of the American professional soccer. Last season, the Eagles finished with 24 points and an 11-10-3 record, placing them seventh in the league. Charlotte also advanced to the Quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, picking up a win over MLS side FC Dallas in the Third Round.