Obinna Nwobodo - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Plays following leg surgery Nwobodo made 11 starts in 18 MLS appearances (including the playoffs) during the 2025 season.

Impact Nwobodo returned to the pitch after leg surgery in late July, appearing in 18 matches, 15 fewer than in 2025. He had no goal contributions, but recorded 35 tackles, 19 interceptions, and 17 clearances. The midfielder aims to improve his form and health for more playing time in 2026.

DECEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to starting XI Saturday Nwobodo (quadriceps) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game versus Montreal.

Impact Nwobodo will have one last chance to produce following a four-month absence. While he's not a regular scorer, the midfielder could rack up passes and defensive stats if given significant playing time. His addition to the lineup means that both Brian Anunga and Samuel Gidi must settle for substitute roles in the regular-season finale.

OCTOBER 18, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cincinnati looks for 20th win of season, hosts CF Montreal

Cincinnati looks for its 20th win of the season when it hosts CF Montreal

OCTOBER 17, 2025 • Associated Press

With group to begin training Nwobodo (quadriceps) was involved in the start of team training Tuesday, according to Laurel Pfahler of the Queen City Press.

Impact Nwobodo was expected to start team training this week and has done so in limited measures, with the midfielder able to train with the group to begin the session. However, he still has yet to complete the full session with the group, still leaving a return up in the air. He will hope it comes soon, as only two games remain until the playoffs start.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Set to rejoin group next week Nwobodo (quadriceps) is set to start training with the group next week, according to manager Pat Noonan, per Laurel Pfahler of the Queen City Press.

Impact Nwobodo is recovering fitness and will now take the field for training next week, inching closer to a return. This is good news for the midfielder, although he will still be held out until the season finale, possibly still missing out when facing Montreal. However, he should at least be fit for the playoffs, a good sign for the club and player.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Working away from team Nwobodo (quadriceps) has been working away from the team with a trainer as he continues to progress well, per FC Cincinnati Staff Writer Carter Chapley.

Impact Nwobodo has yet to return with the team, following his quad injury suffered back in late June. A return this month does not seem likely, as the midfielder will aim to be ready for October, especially with Cincinnati already clinching a playoff spot.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Jogging Tuesday Nwobodo (quadriceps) is jogging in training Tuesday, according to Laurel Pfahler of the Queen City Press.

Impact Nwobodo is seeing his first true update of training since his surgery in early July, as the midfielder was seen jogging outside. That said, he is likely still a bit away from a return and will need more time to ramp up his fitness, needing to train with the group before he is even thought of playing.

AUGUST 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cincinnati hosts New York City FC in Eastern Conference play

Cincinnati and New York City FC hit the pitch in a conference matchup

AUGUST 22, 2025 • Associated Press

Portland Timbers host Cincinnati in non-conference play

The Portland Timbers and Cincinnati take the pitch in a non-conference matchup

AUGUST 15, 2025 • Associated Press

Cincinnati takes shutout streak into matchup against Inter Miami

Cincinnati comes into a matchup with Inter Miami after notching two straight shutout wins

JULY 25, 2025 • Associated Press

Real Salt Lake takes shutout streak into matchup with Cincinnati

Real Salt Lake comes into a matchup with Cincinnati after recording two straight shutout wins

JULY 18, 2025 • Associated Press

Messi and Inter Miami visit Cincinnati

Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami into a matchup with Cincinnati after scoring two goals against Nashville

JULY 15, 2025 • Associated Press

Cincinnati looks to extend win streak in matchup with the Columbus Crew

Cincinnati heads into a matchup with Columbus as winners of four games in a row

JULY 11, 2025 • Associated Press

Evander and Cincinnati host the Chicago Fire

Evander leads Cincinnati into a matchup with the Chicago Fire after scoring two goals against Orlando City

JULY 4, 2025 • Associated Press

Set for surgery Nwobodo (leg) is expected to undergo surgery on his quadriceps next Monday and is expected to be sidelined for a couple of months, Laurel Pfahler of The Queen City Press reports.

Impact Nwobodo left the 3-1 win over Montreal in the first half on June 25 and was unavailable for the 2-1 victory over Orlando City SC on June 28. This is a devastating development for both the player and the club, as Nwobodo is a key player for Cincinnati and anchors their midfield. His absence means Brian Anunga could be in line to see more minutes, but it wouldn't be shocking if Cincinnati aim to execute a trade or sign a player to fill the void left by Nwobodo.

JULY 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Forced off injured Nwobodo (undisclosed) was forced off in the 40th minute of Wednesday's 3-1 victory against Montreal due to an injury.

Impact Nwobodo suffered an injury in Wednesday's game and was forced off right before halftime. He will be assessed in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury, as coach Pat Noonan reportedly couldn't provide an update on the issue and no one knows exactly what he suffered. Nwobodo is a regular starter for Cincinnati and his potential absence will have to be covered, with Brian Anunga likely stepping into the midfield until he returns to full fitness.

JUNE 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Deadspin | FC Cincinnati sign M Obinna Nwobodo to extension Deadspin | FC Cincinnati sign M Obinna Nwobodo to extension

MAY 15, 2025 • DEADSPIN.COM

FC Cincinnati sign Obinna Nwobodo to contract extension | MLSSoccer.com TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension FC Cincinnati have signed midfielder Obinna Nwobodo to a contract extension through 2027 with an option f...

MAY 15, 2025 • MLSSOCCER.COM

Inks extension Nwobodo has signed an extension with Cincinnati, accoridng to his club.

Impact Nwobodo is going to be sticking around Cincinnati for a few more seasons to come, with the midfielder inking an extension through 2027, with an option for the 2028 season. This comes after earning a starting role immediately after joining the club in 2022, starting in 94 of his 99 league appearances since joining the club, notching two goals and six assists in that time. That said, he will likely see a starting role throughout his extension.

MAY 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

On bench Wednesday Nwobodo (leg) is on the bench in Wednesday's visit to Toronto.

Impact Nwobodo should be in contention for minutes after missing five of the last six league contests due to the injury. He's likely to be used in central midfield at the expense of either Brian Anunga or Pavel Bucha. In that case, Nwobodo could be relied on for passes and defensive production.

MAY 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to train Monday Nwobodo (leg) is expected to train and potentially return against Toronto on Wednesday, according to manager Pat Noonan, per Laurel Pfahler of the Queen City Press.

Impact Nwobodo missed out for a second straight match this weekend but appears to be on the up from his leg injury, as he could be back in the fold this week. That said, he is expected to train Monday and through the remainder of the week. This will leave him as a late call for Wednesday's match against Toronto, hoping to end his two-match absence then.

MAY 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable again Nwobodo is questionable for Saturday's match against Austin due to a leg injury.

Impact Nwobodo is seeing yet another injury, as he was limited in training this week due to a leg injury. The good news is he was seeing improvements and is not questionable. That said, he will probably be a late call, set to see a bench spot if an option.

MAY 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

On bench Saturday Nwobodo (hamstring) is available as a substitute in Saturday's match against Sporting Kansas City,

Impact Nwobodo registered six appearances as a defensive midfielder before missing the past three weeks due to a muscle problem. His return strengthens the squad's central zone, although he's not consistently reliable for attacking production. He's expected to contend with Pavel Bucha and Brian Anunga in future games.

APRIL 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Evander and Cincinnati host Sporting Kansas City

Evander leads Cincinnati into a matchup with Sporting Kansas City after scoring two goals against the Chicago Fire

APRIL 25, 2025 • Associated Press

Available for Saturday Nwobodo (hamstring) is an option for Saturday's match against Sporting Kansas City, according to manager Pat Noonan, per Laurel Pfahler of the Queen City Press.

Impact Nwobodo is finally seeing the update he has been waiting for, as the midfielder has been cleared for action after time out due to a hamstring injury. He did start in five of his six appearances before the injury and will look to immediately earn that spot back when he takes the field.

APRIL 24, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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