Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been crowned the Player of the Month at his Belgian team Club Brugge.
Onyedika has been in imperious form for Club Brugge in April, scoring three goals in the Champions Play-off as they seek the First Division A title.
The 23-year-old scored twice against Anderlecht on Matchday 2 and then followed it up with another goal the next game against Antwerp.
His goals aside, Onyedika has been rock-solid for Brugge throughout the regular season and the playoffs to solidify his growing influence in the team.
Born in April 2002, the midfielder, like most African kids, started playing on the streets before he was scouted and taken to FC Ebeide, which is owned and financed by Churchill Oliseh, the older brother of former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh.
The team has produced the likes of Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu, the Nwakaeme brothers, Dickson and Tony, Frank Onyeka, Obafemi Martins, Stephen Makinwa among others.
It was at Ebeide that he honed his skills and soon attracted the attention of Scandinavian clubs.
Eventually, he moved to Danish side FC Midtjylland, a partner club to FC Ebeide for years as he continued his development.
Onyedika did well there, winning the Danish Cup in the 21/22 season and was soon to attract the attention of a host of clubs, but it was Brugge that won his signature at the end.
He moved to a new city and a new league and was presented with a new challenge.
It took him time to settle at the Belgian side after moving initially, but was soon to become one of the mainstays of the team.
Since his arrival at Club Brugge, Onyedika has become a linchpin in the midfield, showcasing his versatility, tough tackling, and newfound knack for finding the back of the net.
April to remember for Raphael Onyedika
In April alone, Onyedika netted three goals for the club during the First Division A's Championship Round, solidifying his status as a vital asset to the team and earning the Player of the Month award.
In all competitions, he has featured in 44 matches, notching up an impressive tally of four goals and two assists.
His ability to contribute defensively while also adding goals to his repertoire has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposition midfielders.
Onyedika's outstanding performances haven't gone unnoticed, with rumors swirling of interest from English Premier League sides Crystal Palace and West Ham.
As speculation mounts regarding his future, Onyedika remains focused on the task at hand, committed to continuing his development and making a lasting impact wherever he plays.
As Club Brugge bask in the glory of yet another Player of the Month award for Onyedika, there is the small matter of a UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final against Italian side Fiorentina in which the Nigerian will be a key factor for the Belgians.
Onyedika growing with the Super Eagles
Having been part of Nigeria’s campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles lost to Ivory Coast in the final, Onyedika will also cast a glance towards the Super Eagles as they gear up for crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and South Africa in June.
He was also called up for the Super Eagles' friendly games in the last international window where he played a part in the two games against Ghana (2-1 win) and Mali (0-2 loss)
With Onyedika pulling the strings in midfield, Nigerian fans can rest assured that their hopes of World Cup qualification are in capable hands.
The midfielder has seven caps for Nigeria, but he is yet to score since making his debut in 2022 against Algeria in an international friendly
