How Super Eagles maestro Onyedika is drowning in mounting criticism at Brugge

Published on by Andrew Randa

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika finds himself in turbulent waters at Club Brugge due to a string of disciplinary issues, causing the 23-year-old’s future at the Belgian club to be questioned.

Once a standout performer, Onyedika’s start to this season has been overshadowed by red cards and lapses in tactical discipline.

The latest incident—a red card during Club Brugge's Champions League clash with AC Milan—has added to a growing list of transgressions, leading to a three-match suspension.

How Super Eagles maestro Onyedika is drowning in mounting criticism at Brugge
Photo by IMAGO

Onyedika’s season has been marred by inconsistency, and his struggles extend beyond the Milan clash.

During the recent derby against Cercle Brugge, he failed to execute a defensive tactic, canceling out an offside trap that ultimately allowed Cercle Brugge’s Denkey to score.

This incident left Coach Nicky Hayen frustrated, with sources noting the coach’s disappointment in Onyedika’s repeated disregard for tactical instructions.

Similar lapses in previous matches have heightened concerns among club officials, some of whom now question his commitment to Brugge’s long-term vision.

Did failed transfer affect Super Eagles star Raphael Onyedika?

While Galatasaray showed interest in Onyedika during the summer transfer window, the move didn’t materialize.

Since then, the Nigerian has struggled to regain the form that made him a key player in the 2023/24 season, amassing 27 yellow cards over his time at the club.

He has also racked up three red cards in 18 games.

His unpredictability and lack of focus on the pitch have drawn criticism, with teammate Brandon Mechele recently reprimanding him for wearing unsuitable boots during a crucial match.

How Super Eagles maestro Onyedika is drowning in mounting criticism at Brugge
Photo by Icon Sport


While some Brugge officials advocate for moving Onyedika on, others believe the midfielder can still replicate his past brilliance if he addresses his discipline and tactical awareness.

However, with Nigeria, in the AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, he's had little of those issues in his cameo appearances.

For now, Onyedika’s future hangs in the balance, with his next performances likely to decide whether he stays with the Belgian giants or moves on.

How Super Eagles maestro Onyedika is drowning in mounting criticism at Brugge

Andrew Randa

Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.

Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)