Versatile Super Eagles midfielder nominated for Player of the Month award

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan, updated on

Raphael Onyedika‘s stellar form in September has earned him a nomination for Club Brugge's Player of the Month award. The Nigerian midfielder, pivotal in both domestic and European competitions, is in contention for the accolade alongside Hans Vanaken, Christos Tzolis, Gustaf Nilsson, and Simon Mignolet.

As one of the key figures in Nicky Hayen's squad, Onyedika's nomination is well justified by his reliability, versatility, and solid contributions on the pitch. The Super Eagles midfielder’s performances, however, weren’t without controversy. 

In the 1-1 draw with Royal Charleroi S.C., he was sent off ten minutes into the second half for a challenge on Parfait Guiagon. While his studs were visible, the intensity of the tackle was debated, with many feeling the decision was harsh. Despite this, his overall impact in September remains significant, especially given Club Brugge’s demanding schedule.

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Photo by IMAGO

Onyedika’s September in numbers

Onyedika logged a total of 324 minutes across five games, underscoring his importance to the team. Over these appearances, he accumulated 250 touches and completed 173 accurate passes, demonstrating his ability to distribute the ball effectively in midfield.

Though primarily a defensive midfielder, Onyedika also contributed to attacking opportunities, registering two key passes and 25 successful long balls. His physicality shone through, winning 32 ground duels and 7 aerial duels, making him a key player in breaking up opposition attacks.

Defensively, his 4 clearances, 5 interceptions, and 11 tackles further highlight his value, while he was only dribbled past once. Onyedika's defensive presence and composure have been instrumental in Club Brugge's stability, ensuring their competitiveness throughout a challenging month.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.