Onyedika: Club Brugge explains Super Eagles star’s absence against Sint-Truidense

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika was absent from the matchday squad as Club Brugge secured a 2-0 victory over Sint-Truidense on Saturday night, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian midfielder has seen his playing time reduced in recent weeks, managing just 47 minutes across Club Brugge’s last three league matches and his absence from the squad on Saturday came as a surprise when the team sheets were released.

Despite missing one of their most influential midfielders, Club Brugge moved a step closer to reclaiming the Belgian league title with a comfortable victory that temporarily moved them above second-placed Union Saint-Gilloise, who face Mechelen on Sunday.

Club Brugge took the lead after just 13 minutes through German youth international Nicolo Tresoldi, before Carlos Forbs added a second goal shortly after the break to put the hosts firmly in control.

The visitors’ hopes of mounting a comeback were further dashed just after the hour mark when Ryan Merlen was sent off, as the match eventually ended 2-0 in favour of the Blue-Black.

Club Brugge clarify reason behind Onyedika’s absence

Raphael Onyedika has remained an important member of the Club Brugge squad since arriving at the club and has already made 41 appearances across all competitions this season, including 23 in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.

However, concerns were raised after the 25-year-old was omitted from the squad entirely against Sint-Truidense. The Belgian club have now clarified that the midfielder missed the game due to fitness-related issues.

“Onyedika has not recovered in time to be fit”, Club Brugge revealed in a post on X.

Onyedika: Super Eagles midfielder faces uncertain future 

Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika has continued to attract attention amid growing uncertainty over his long-term stay at Club Brugge. He was reportedly close to leaving the club during the January transfer window, although a move failed to materialize.

The 25-year-old has once again been linked with a possible exit heading into the summer with clubs such as Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray, West Ham United and Aston Villa reportedly monitoring his situation.

The midfielder remains under contract until 2027, but with no extension agreed yet, Club Brugge could face a major decision and may eventually consider a sale in order to avoid losing him for free when his contract expires.

Meanwhile, the Belgian side will hope to have Onyedika back available for their next match, as they push to reclaim the league title after narrowly missing out to Union Saint-Gilloise last season.