Before Union: Akinbobola played soccer for Oyo State School and Aldada High School in Nigeria prior to his junior and senior years at Bartlett High School. While at Bartlett, he was a two-sport athlete at Bartlett High School including soccer and track. In soccer, he helped lead his team to the 2004 District Champmionship, as well as, runner-up finishes in the 2005 district and sectional tournaments. As a junior, Akinbobola tallied 30 goals, then posted 60 goals during his senior season. Of the field, he was named Who's Who Among American High School Students and was a member of the Student Government Association.
