Paul Ekwueme didn’t see this coming—not even close.
“It feels amazing,” said the versatile 20-year-old midfielder from the McMaster Marauders, who was selected seventh overall by Forge FC in the CPL U Sports Draft on Thursday afternoon. “It’s a big surprise. I didn’t score a lot of goals, I didn’t earn any all-star awards, so for the Forge coaches to watch me and still pick me in the first round means so much. It shows that the skills I have can translate to this level.
“It’s an honor and a privilege, especially since it’s the best team in the league. It’s nice to look back and see how far I’ve come.”
And he’s come a long way.
Ekwueme grew up in Ajax, Ontario, before moving to Beamsville to attend Great Lakes Christian Academy. Soccer opportunities were limited at the small school, whose team was “pretty non-competitive,” and pandemic disruptions wiped out his Grade 11 and 12 high school seasons. While he played some local youth soccer, returning to Ajax in the summers didn’t open any doors to high-level club teams already deep into their seasons.
“I was pretty much training by myself through high school,” he recalled.
When he arrived at McMaster University—known for its strong soccer program—Ekwueme faced more challenges. He didn’t make the Marauders squad as a freshman and instead played U-21 soccer for Hamilton United. As a sophomore, he was red-shirted and remained off the main roster. But his work ethic never wavered. He focused on improving his versatility, honing his physicality, and maximizing his six-foot frame—all traits that ultimately caught the eye of Forge FC’s coaching staff, who value more than just stats.
“We see a lot of versatility, a lot of ability to cover ground, and someone who plays simple, effective football, which is important to us,” said Forge head coach Bobby Smyrniotis. “He’s not flashy, but he’s a guy who can play multiple roles—whether as a No. 6 or maybe a right back. He’s also a local player, and that matters to us. He’s grown up here and played university ball here. He fits the profile and has the technical skills we want in a player.
“Pass receiving is critical: how comfortable you are in those moments, how quickly you can move the ball. He can take it on the dribble or make smart passes to break lines. He’s shown that ability in U Sports.”
Forge’s Director of Operations, Jelani Smith, noted that the club sees Ekwueme as a “pivot” player, valuing his size and physicality in midfield—a position where Forge hasn’t historically been tall but has excelled in skill. Ekwueme’s background plays a role in his comfort with the physical aspects of the game. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Nigerian parents, Ekwueme holds three passports. He even had a trial with Nigeria’s U-17s and credits his heritage for his tough playing style.
“I was always playing with my older brothers and players six or seven years older than me,” Ekwueme explained. “I was pretty small, so I was forced to be physical. Then I had a big growth spurt.
“Nigeria’s game is very physical, and that influenced me. It’s helped my ability to shoot, win the ball back, and make the technical side of the game easier by excelling physically.”
Ekwueme is open to playing across the midfield or even stepping into a center-back role. While defense is his primary focus, he’s eager to contribute offensively, especially on set pieces—an area where Forge consistently excels.
“They’ve got quality players who deliver great set pieces, so hopefully, I can score some goals from those,” he said.
A longtime Forge fan, Ekwueme attended the team’s first-ever CPL game at Tim Hortons Field in 2019. Now, the dream of playing professionally is within reach.
“Hamilton’s always been a great football city, and I chose McMaster because of their strong teams,” he said. “Being a pro has been my dream my entire life. I’m going to give it everything, work hard in the off-season, and come to camp ready to earn my spot.
“It’s tough to make the team right away as a draft pick, but I’m a hard worker. That’s something my parents instilled in me, and I’m excited to bring that to Forge.”
Forge’s second-round pick, 15th overall, took them to Quebec—a region they’ve mined successfully in the past—where they selected six-foot-two forward Maxim Filion from the Université de Montréal. Filion, a prolific scorer with nine goals in 11 games, helped the Carabins reach the U Sports final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to UBC.
“He’s truly a No. 9,” Smith said during OneSoccer’s live draft broadcast. “It was evident there was a gap at that position late in the season.”
Injuries to strikers Terran Campbell and Jordan Hamilton, coupled with the midseason transfer of Kwasi Poku for a CPL-record fee, left Forge shorthanded up front. Smyrniotis praised Filion’s profile, highlighting his ability to capitalize on set pieces.
“Most of the games in our league—outside of ours—were decided by set pieces late in the season,” Smyrniotis explained. “Filion’s a big player who combines well and gets on the end of things in the box. Sometimes, that’s exactly what we need from a striker, because our midfielders and wingers create so much.”
As Forge FC continues to build its roster, Ekwueme and Filion represent exciting new chapters for the reigning league champions. Their arrivals add depth, physicality, and potential to an already dominant squad, setting the stage for yet another season of success.