TULSA – FC Tulsa is bringing back one more piece from its 2020 roster to help provide depth in 2021. Midfielder Raphael Ayagwa has signed a new contract with the club for the 2021 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. He joins fellow Nigerian countrymen Solomon Kwambe and Stanley Oganbor on the FC Tulsa roster.
“The staff and I are happy to welcome Raphael back,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “He’s very unique as to what he offers our team. Raphael is comfortable screening for the back line and facilitating from deep positions, which gives us great balance. The players around him feel more confident attacking, knowing he controls the space behind them. With the benefit of an entire preseason under his belt this year, we look forward to him showing his full potential.”
Just 22 years old and in his first professional season in the United States, Ayagwa appeared in all 16 matches for FC Tulsa in 2020, earning five starts. The central midfielder still awaits his first career FC Tulsa goal or assist but made his impact often as a defensive sub in front of the FC Tulsa backline.
"[Re-signing] means a whole lot to me," Ayagwa said. "I’m excited to reunite with the boys, the coaches and the back room staff. Above all else, I want to continue the good work we started last year."
Despite the young age, Ayagwa boasts an impressive international resume. He already has an appearance under his belt for the Nigerian senior National Team in the 2017 African Nations Championship, and a CAF-Champions League goal while with Plateau United FC. Prior to signing with FC Tulsa, Ayagwa 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.
Ayagwa is the 20th player announced to the FC Tulsa roster. See the updated 2021 roster below.
2021 FC TULSA ROSTER
Goalkeepers: Daniel Gagliardi, Sean Lewis
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Luis Corrales, Leo Folla, Kevin Garcia, Mo Jadama, Solomon Kwambe, Matt Sheldon
Midfielders: Raphael Ayagwa, Eric Bird, Lucas Coutinho, Rodrigo da Costa, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters
Forwards: Jerome Kiesewetter, Stanley Oganbor, Joaquín Rivas, Marlon Santos, Darío Suárez
TULSA – FC Tulsa is bringing back one more piece from its 2020 roster to help provide depth in 2021. Midfielder Raphael Ayagwa has signed a new contract with the club for the 2021 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. He joins fellow Nigerian countrymen Solomon Kwambe and Stanley Oganbor on the FC Tulsa roster.
“The staff and I are happy to welcome Raphael back,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “He’s very unique as to what he offers our team. Raphael is comfortable screening for the back line and facilitating from deep positions, which gives us great balance. The players around him feel more confident attacking, knowing he controls the space behind them. With the benefit of an entire preseason under his belt this year, we look forward to him showing his full potential.”
Just 22 years old and in his first professional season in the United States, Ayagwa appeared in all 16 matches for FC Tulsa in 2020, earning five starts. The central midfielder still awaits his first career FC Tulsa goal or assist but made his impact often as a defensive sub in front of the FC Tulsa backline.
“[Re-signing] means a whole lot to me,” Ayagwa said. “I’m excited to reunite with the boys, the coaches and the back room staff. Above all else, I want to continue the good work we started last year.”
Despite the young age, Ayagwa boasts an impressive international resume. He already has an appearance under his belt for the Nigerian senior National Team in the 2017 African Nations Championship, and a CAF-Champions League goal while with Plateau United FC. Prior to signing with FC Tulsa, Ayagwa 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.
Ayagwa is the 20th player announced to the FC Tulsa roster. See the updated 2021 roster below.
2021 FC TULSA ROSTER
Goalkeepers: Daniel Gagliardi, Sean Lewis
Defenders: Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Luis Corrales, Leo Folla, Kevin Garcia, Mo Jadama, Solomon Kwambe, Matt Sheldon
Midfielders: Raphael Ayagwa, Eric Bird, Lucas Coutinho, Rodrigo da Costa, Lebo Moloto, Ciaran Winters
Forwards: Jerome Kiesewetter, Stanley Oganbor, Joaquín Rivas, Marlon Santos, Darío Suárez
