Abandoned, owed: Nigeria’s Olympic bronze medalist takes on Egyptian club with FIFA’s backing

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has issued a compelling directive to Egyptian side Smouha SC, instructing them to remunerate Nigerian forward, Junior Ajayi, with a substantial sum of $70,000 (N32 million).

The discerning decision was spurred by Ajayi’s dire situation, as he found himself abandoned and bereft of support from the club.

The 27-year-old suffered a debilitating injury during a friendly encounter against Canal Club in October of last year.

Distressed by the lack of care and concern exhibited by Smouha SC, Ajayi embarked upon the arduous path of reporting the matter to FIFA, concurrently raising the issue of unpaid salary dues.

FIFA, ever the bastion of justice in the world of soccer, has granted Smouha SC a scant 15-day ultimatum to deliver the overdue remuneration of $70,000 to the beleaguered Ajayi.

This mandate serves as a resounding reminder that all players, irrespective of their nationality, deserve fair treatment and prompt payment for their dedicated service to their respective clubs.

Having recently severed ties with Libyan outfit Al-Nasr Benghazi, Ajayi joined Smouha SC last year. His professional trajectory is marked by an illustrious stint at Egyptian giants Al Ahly, spanning five remarkable years.

During this tenure, Ajayi clinched a staggering eleven major trophies, including four Egyptian Premier League titles and two coveted CAF Champions League honours.

Ajayi was also an integral member of the Super Eagles squad that secured a bronze medal in the esteemed 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio De Janeiro.