March 8, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Sacramento Republic FC News Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – U.S. Soccer has announced that Republic FC defender Chibuike “Chibi” Ukaegbu (pronunciation: Chi-bee oo-Kay-boo) has been invited to participate in its U17 Men’s Youth National Team Domestic Camp in West Palm Beach, Florida from March 10 to 15. The invitation marks Ukaegbu’s first invitation to a national team camp. On the camp roster, he is the only player representing a USL Championship club and one of only two players not representing a MLS club.
“Chibi continues to impress every single day and has been a bright spot throughout preseason,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We’re excited to see how he responds to the challenge and look forward to his continued development.”
The invitation marks Ukaegbu’s first to a national team camp. The Roseville native signed his first professional contract with the club in November, becoming one of four homegrown professional players on the club’s first team roster. He scored his first goal with the club’s first team this past Saturday in the club’s preseason friendly against Monterey Bay F.C. – the ninth goal by a homegrown player in preseason camp. He joined the club’s youth development academy in 2021 at age 14, appearing in over 60 matches for the club’s youth sides. Throughout Republic FC’s 2023 USL Championship season, Ukaegbu earned opportunities to train with the club’s first team, including action in preseason friendlies against other professional clubs.
Republic FC’s homegrown players continue to be well represented in Youth National Team Programs. Since the launch of the club’s Youth Academy in 2015, over 60 players have been selected to represent their respective nations on the international stage, showcase their talents in Youth National Team camps, or be invited to YNT Regional ID Center sessions alongside other top youth players.
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