In April 2025, Nigerian midfielder Raphael Viashima Ayagwa became a symbol of resilience and courage following a hard-fought legal victory against Egyptian club Aswan SC. The 26-year-old footballer’s story has shaken the football community and opened global eyes to the hidden struggles many African athletes endure abroad.
Ayagwa, born on February 13, 1998, in Gboko, Nigeria, began his professional career with Plateau United F.C. He then secured international moves to Lillestrøm in Norway and later FC Tulsa in the US. In 2017, he earned a cap for the Nigerian national team in a match against Benin. That was a career highlight for the footballer and preceded Ayagwa winning his FIFA case.
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In 2023, while playing for Aswan SC in the Egyptian Premier League, Ayagwa faced a shocking ordeal. After the club was relegated, officials attempted to force him to sign an Arabic document waiving half of his wages. When he refused, Ayagwa was held against his will, physically assaulted, and had his phone and personal belongings taken. He sustained injuries to his chest, arm, and knee during the ordeal.
He eventually escaped back to Nigeria and terminated his contract citing “just cause.” In February 2024, FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber ruled in his favor. It ordered Aswan SC to pay his outstanding wages and compensation. The club was also slapped with a one-year transfer ban. FIFPRO, the international players’ union, hailed the ruling as a win for player rights. They also saw it as a warning to clubs that exploit athletes. That’s how Raphael Ayagwa won his FIFA case.
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Find out more below!
Nigerian Footballer, Raphael Ayagwa was held hostage and assaulted by officials of Egyptian club, Aswan SC in 2023.
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) April 14, 2025
After owing him salaries, they tried to force him to sign away half of it.
FIFA imposed a transfer ban on the club for a year, and ruled that he should get paid. pic.twitter.com/8JWZAqHlRm
Ayagwa’s story is not just a legal triumph—it’s a wake-up call for the sports world. His bravery in standing up against abuse shines a spotlight on the systemic challenges African players often face abroad. It also sends a clear message: Dignity and justice in sport must never be compromised. Truly, Raphael Ayagwa wins his FIFA case was an important milestone for player rights.
