Raphael Onyedika comes of age in stunning Club Brugge win over Atleti

Super Eagles youngster Raphael Onyedika was at his imperious best for Club Brugge as they defeated Atletico Madrid 2-0 in their UEFA Champions League encounter. The 21-year-old midfielder enjoyed a brilliant performance against the Spanish giants.

Handed his third successive start in this season’s Champions League, Onyedika faced the biggest test of his career thus far, coming up against experienced heads such as Koke and Axel Witsel in the middle of the park. The former FC Midjtylland lynchpin put up an outstanding performance for the Belgian side in the encounter.

Club Brugge ensured they maintained their 100% record in the group after goals from Ghanaian forward Kamal Sowah and former Barca youngster Ferran Jutgla. Onyedika, however, was one of the side’s standout performers.

Onyedika featured for the entire 90 minutes despite receiving a first-half booking. The youngster completed 88% of his attempted passes and touched the ball 65 times in total. He won eight of his nine duels in midfield and completed five of seven attempted long passes. Onyedika also won three tackles and made two interceptions as he dominated the midfield against the Spanish side.

Raphael Onyedika has featured in all of his side’s matches in the Champions League and has helped them secure three wins from three. The youngster has also helped his side keep a clean sheet in each of their Champions League matches this season. Having made his Super Eagles debut in the friendly against Algeria, the young man will be looked at as the future of Nigeria’s midfield position.