Wahab Ackwei

Wahab Ackwei (born 19 October 1996) is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a defender for USL Championship club El Paso Locomotive.

Wahab Ackwei

Personal information
Date of birth	(1996-10-19) 19 October 1996 (age 28)
Place of birth	Accra, Ghana
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	El Paso Locomotive
Number	3
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2015–2017	Inter Allies	56	(3)
2018	New York Red Bulls II	7	(0)
2019–2020	Richmond Kickers	38	(0)
2021	Loudoun United	9	(0)
2022–2023	Rio Grande Valley FC	55	(4)
2024	Colorado Springs Switchbacks	5	(1)
2024–	El Paso Locomotive	22	(2)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 4 July 2025

Career

Inter Allies

Ackwei made his debut in Ghanaian professional football during the 2015 season with Inter Allies FC in the Ghanaian Division One. Ackwei scored his first goal for Inter Allies on 20 March 2017 in a 1–0 victory over Tema Youth F.C.^[1] On 28 June 2017 he scored the loan goal for Inter Allies in a 1–0 victory over Bechem United.^[2] On 8 October 2017 Ackwei scored his team's opening goal from the penalty spot in a 2–0 victory over Medeama S.C.^[3] At the conclusion of the 2017 season in which he scored 3 goals in 23 appearances it was reported that clubs from Europe and Major League Soccer were in pursuit of the defender.^[4]

Ackwei played at the club for three years before leaving at the expiration of his contract during December 2017.^[5] After leaving Inter Allies, it was reported that Ackwei had an offer from Accra Hearts of Oak after a deal with Danish club Viborg FF failed to materialize.^[6]

New York Red Bulls II

On 14 February 2018 it was announced that Ackwei had signed with New York Red Bulls II.^[7]

Richmond Kickers

In March 2019, the Richmond Kickers signed Ackwei.^[8]

Loudoun United

Ackwei signed with Loudoun United on 11 February 2021.^[9]

Rio Grande Valley FC

On 11 February 2022, Ackwei moved to USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley FC.^[10] On May 5, 2022, Ackwei scored his first goal for RGV during a 3–2 loss to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.^[11]

Colorado Springs Switchbacks

Following Rio Grande Valley folding Ackewi moved to Colorado Springs Switchbacks ahead of their 2024 season.^[12]

El Paso Locomotive

In August 2024, Ackwei was traded to El Paso Locomotive in exchange for Justin Dhillon.^[13]

Career statistics

As of 26 July 2025^[14]

Club	Season	League			Cup[a]		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Inter Allies	2015	Ghana Premier League	12	0	0	0	–		–		12	0
	2016	Ghana Premier League	21	0	0	0	–		–		21	0
	2017	Ghana Premier League	23	3	0	0	–		–		23	3
	Total		56	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	56	3
New York Red Bulls II	2018	USL	7	0	–		–		0	0	7	0
Richmond Kickers	2019	USL League One	25	0	1	1	–		0	0	26	1
	2020	USL League One	13	0	0	0	–		0	0	13	0
	Total		38	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	39	1
Loudoun United FC	2021	USL Championship	9	0	0	0	–		0	0	9	0
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros	2022	USL Championship	31	2	2	0	–		0	0	15	1
	2023		23	2	1	0	–		0	0	24	2
	Total		63	4	3	0	0	0	0	0	65	4
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC	2024	USL Championship	5	1	1	0	–		0	0	6	1
	Total		5	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	6	1
El Paso Locomotive FC	2024	USL Championship	9	0	0	0	–		0	0	9	0
	2025		13	2	2	0	–		1[b]	0	16	2
	Total		22	2	2	0	0	0	1	0	25	2
Career total			184	10	7	1	0	0	1	0	192	11

1. Appearance in the U.S. Open Cup
2. Includes appearance in USL Cup

Honours

Individual

• USL Championship All League Second Team: 2022^[15]