Nigerian gem Onyedika dazzles with all-action display in 4-goal thriller

Raphael Onyedika in action against Genk. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Nigerian gem Onyedika dazzles with all-action display in 4-goal thriller

Izuchukwu Akawor 08:32 - 25.04.2024

Nigerian midfield gem Raphael Onyedika shines in Club Brugge's 4-0 rout of Genk.

Nigerian rising star Raphael Onyedika produced a man-of-the-match performance as Club Brugge demolished rivals Genk 4-0 in the Belgian Pro League on Wednesday night.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Onyedika played his fourth game for Club Brugge in the Jupiler Championship playoff series.

Onyedika's Standout Display

The 23-year-old midfield dynamo was in inspired form throughout the 90 minutes, showcasing his wide array of qualities in an all-action display that will have only increased the £20m-rated talent's growing reputation.

Onyedika topped the charts for dribbles completed (2), pass accuracy (92%), touches (82), passes into the final third (7), and recoveries made (10).

Raphael Onyedika has started all the games in the playoff for Club Brugge.
Raphael Onyedika has started all the games in the playoff for Club Brugge. (Photo Credit: Imago)

The Nigeria Super Eagles midfielder also won an impressive six duels and 100% of his aerial battles.

Defensive Diligence

While his attacking output caught the eye, Onyedika's defensive discipline was equally impressive.

Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Jupiler Pro League Champions Play-Off match between Club Brugge and RSC Anderlecht at the Jan Breydelstadion on April 7, 2024
Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Jupiler Pro League Champions Play-Off match between Club Brugge and RSC Anderlecht at the Jan Breydelstadion on April 7, 2024 || Image credit: Imago

He won two of three attempted tackles and made three crucial interceptions to snuff out Genk's forays forward.

Star in the Making

Onyedika's burgeoning talent has already seen him earn senior international recognition with the Super Eagles.

Raphael Onyedika is one of Nigeria's hottest property in Europe.
Raphael Onyedika is one of Nigeria's hottest property in Europe. (Photo Credit: Onyedika/X)

And performances like this will only accelerate his development towards becoming a regular for Nigeria.

With a market value of around £20m, top European clubs are inevitably circling as Onyedika continues to enhance his reputation as one of the continent's most exciting young midfield prospects.

For Brugge, fending off potential suitors may prove increasingly difficult if their prized asset maintains this rich vein of form in both domestic and European competition.

But for now, they can revel in a resounding derby victory inspired by the talismanic influence of Onyedika's dominance in the engine room. Club Brugge are now just two points off Anderlecht in the race for the Jupiler title.

Related content