Super Eagles midfielder back from injury and ready to make an impact against the Spanish giants.
Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika is brimming with confidence as Belgian champions Club Brugge prepare to host Barcelona in match-day four of the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League. The Super Eagles star, returning from a painful injury, believes his side has what it takes to challenge the Spanish giants on Wednesday night at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
Onyedika missed six consecutive matches, including the last two UEFA Champions League fixtures, but made his comeback last weekend, playing 27 minutes in Club Brugge’s 2-1 win over FCV Dender. The 24-year-old, who featured in every league qualification match for the UCL phase, is expected to play a major role in Wednesday’s encounter.
Since joining Club Brugge in 2022, Onyedika has developed into an integral part of the team, missing only one match in their run to the Round of 16 in the 2024-25 campaign. Speaking ahead of the Barcelona clash, he acknowledged the challenge but expressed optimism about his team’s chances.
“Of course I’m glad I’m back after my painful injury. It was only a little over half an hour that I was back on the ground, but I immediately felt that I could stand my ground again,” Onyedika said.
 “I worked very hard together with the medical staff to be able to return as early as possible and so today I was able to make my return. Of course, it’s not easy to sit on the side and watch your fellow players play, but of course it couldn’t be otherwise.”
The midfielder could feature in the starting lineup or come on as a substitute as Club Brugge manages his reintegration following the injury lay-off.
 “I’m certainly not one hundred percent fit yet, but it won’t matter much anyway. I’m missing some match rhythm now, but that little half hour makes me confident that I’m ready for next Wednesday’s game against Barcelona,” he added. “And yes, it will not be an easy task again next Wednesday, but despite this, everyone with us is looking forward to it. We know what’s coming our way, but we shouldn’t be scared.”
Club Brugge enter the clash currently 20th on the 36-team UCL standings with three points from their first three matches. They opened the group stage with a 4-1 win over AS Monaco, but suffered defeats to Atalanta and Bayern Munich. Barcelona, by contrast, have won two of their three matches, including a 6-1 demolition of Olympiacos, and will be high on confidence.
The Spanish side have also won the last two meetings between the clubs, but the absence of several key players makes the midweek clash a must-watch.
For Nigerian football fans, Onyedika’s return represents both personal triumph and national pride. His performance against Barcelona will not only impact Club Brugge’s European campaign but also serve as a showcase of Nigerian talent making waves abroad.
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