Raphael Onyedika: One unwanted stat places Super Eagles star atop Bundesliga

Super Eagles and Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Raphael Onyedika has found himself on top of an unwanted chart in the German Bundesliga.

The Nigeria international has emerged as the Bundesliga’s most-booked player after picking up four yellow cards in his first six appearances for Frankfurt in the 2026/27 season.

Onyedika tops the disciplinary standings after receiving cautions against Union Berlin, Mainz 05, Freiburg and RB Leipzig.

His tally puts him ahead of six players who have each collected three yellow cards: Felix Keidel, Felix Uduokhai, Kevin Diks, Phillipp Mwene, Shuto Machino and Wouter Burger.

In the German Bundesliga, a player is suspended for one match after accumulating five yellow cards. Onyedika will, therefore, be available for Frankfurt’s next league fixture, an away clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Onyedika’s defensive numbers offer encouragement ahead of Dortmund test

Despite his disciplinary record, Onyedika’s overall contribution has offered Frankfurt some positives during the opening weeks of the campaign.

According to SofaScore, the midfielder’s best individual performance came against Augsburg, when he earned a 7.5 rating despite Frankfurt suffering a 4-1 home defeat.

His most difficult outing came against RB Leipzig, where he received a 5.9 rating as Frankfurt endured a heavy 6-0 away loss. The match also brought one of his four yellow cards.

Onyedika is yet to score or register an assist in the Bundesliga this season, but his defensive work and distribution have provided evidence of his value to the team.

He has recorded 37 defensive contributions, made 30 recoveries, completed 80 per cent of his passes and created two big chances.

Onyedika joined Frankfurt from Club Brugge in August, signing a five-year contract that runs until June 2031.

Frankfurt reportedly paid an initial €9 million for the midfielder, with performance-related add-ons potentially taking the transfer fee to €10 million. Club Brugge also retained a five per cent sell-on clause. That deal made him one of the biggest Nigerian transfers in Bundesliga history.

The 25-year-old was brought in as part of Frankfurt’s efforts to strengthen their defensive midfield and was assigned the No. 25 shirt.

Before moving to Germany, Onyedika won two Belgian Pro League titles, the Belgian Cup and the Belgian Super Cup during his spell at Club Brugge.