Wydad Athletic Fez have strengthened their squad with the signing of Togolese winger Abdou Rafikou Atakora, who joins as the club continues its push for a return to Morocco’s top flight.
The 23-year-old arrives as a free agent after parting ways with Jordanian side Al Aqaba in July 2025.
His move was confirmed through a post on his personal Facebook page, marking his return to African football in what he hopes will be a defining step in his career.
Atakora has signed a two-year contract with an option for extension.
Atakora becomes the second Togolese recruit at Wydad Fez this summer, following the arrival of prolific striker Akoro Bilali, the top scorer in the 2024–2025 Lonato Division 1.
Their signings underline the club’s ambition to build a competitive team capable of securing promotion to the Botola Pro 1 after spending last season in the second tier.
Trained at the Future Stars Agoè academy, Atakora’s development saw him feature for Espoir de Zio and CDF Haknour in Togo before making his mark at Al Aqaba.
His pace, technical skill and creativity on the flanks attracted the attention of Wydad Fez, who see him as a key addition in their promotion challenge.
Speaking on his ambitions, Atakora framed the move as both an opportunity and a challenge.
Returning to North Africa places him in a league noted for its intensity and visibility.
The Botola Pro regularly showcases some of the region’s most competitive fixtures, with clubs such as Raja Casablanca and FAR Rabat setting the benchmark.
For Atakora, it represents not only a chance to establish himself but also a potential gateway to Europe or a place in the Togolese senior national team.
Although yet to be capped at senior level, Atakora has represented Togo at under-20 level and is widely regarded as a player of promise.
A strong season in Morocco could put him firmly in the plans of Hawks coach Nibombé Daré, particularly with World Cup qualifiers against Mauritania and Sudan on the horizon in September.
Wydad Fez’s summer recruitment strategy has blended youth and experience in a bid to rejuvenate the squad.
The addition of Atakora and Bilali underlines their intent to mount a serious challenge for promotion.
With financial pressures and competitive rivals to contend with, the club faces a demanding campaign ahead.
For Atakora, however, the move signals a fresh chapter.
Determined to prove himself, the young Sparrowhawk views Wydad Fez as the ideal stage to showcase his talent and take the next step in his career.
