TULSA, Okla. – FC Tulsa added more international experience to its squad on Saturday, signing Nigerian midfielder Raphael Ayagwa for the 2020 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval.
Ayagwa has one cap for the Nigerian national team, making him only active rostered USL Championship player with an international appearance for Nigeria's senior team.
“With the addition of Raphael into our core of midfielders, we have brought in a commanding presence to add balance,” said FC Tulsa Head Coach Michael Nsien. “Raphael is a dedicated ball winner and a very technical short and long-range passer. At such a young age, he shows a gift in ball progression and taking up positions that affect the game in transition.
“Raphael has elite qualities that has gotten him invitations and caps for his home country of Nigeria. His signing goes to show the growth of not only FC Tulsa, but also the development of our league.”
The 21-year-old most recently played for Lillestøm SK, then of the Norwegian Eliteserien, the top division of Norwegian soccer. He made three appearances over two years for Lillestrøm in league competition. He was transferred to Lillestrøm from Plateau United FC of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) where he played during the 2017/18 season and saw action in the CAF Champions League in addition to domestic competition.
“I am overwhelmed to be a part of this great family,” said Ayagwa. “I believe with hard work, determination and dedication, we will surely conquer. I’m looking forward to working with the great fans of the club, and I promise to be a good ambassador of FC Tulsa.”