Columbus Crew's Emmanuel Ekpo became the MLS player to advance the furthest in a major international competition in the Beijing Games. He played in every match of Nigeria's run to the final. Ekpo has now returned to the Crew and is ready to refocus on helping his club win the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup.

Ekpo returned with the team to Nigeria for a heroes welcome before jetting back to Columbus early this week.

"It was a big deal. We were supposed to meet with the president of the country but when we got home he had already left for Mecca so we met with other dignitaries like the governor of the state and top members, the ministers," Ekpo said.

Columbus Manager Sigi Schmid stated: "We're happy he's back. We're proud of what he accomplished in China. He's a player that's going to help us down the road."

The Crew currently atop the MLS table play New England in perhaps the biggest match of the MLS season to date this Saturday. The Crew will be without Frankie Hejduk on duty with the US National Team, while New England is facing an injury crisis.

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