By Peculiar Oke
Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika is a major doubt for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after limping off early during Club Brugge’s 5-5 draw with Westerlo on Wednesday night.
Onyedika lasted just 16 minutes before being substituted for Alexander Stankovic, sparking concerns over his fitness for Nigeria’s crucial qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic.
The 22-year-old has made six league appearances this season under coach Nicky Hayen, who is expected to provide a fitness update ahead of Brugge’s weekend fixture against Standard Liège.
For Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, Onyedika’s injury comes as another blow in midfield, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also facing a race to be fit after sustaining a muscle injury during Lazio’s 1-0 loss to Roma last weekend.
Nigeria is set to continue its World Cup qualifying campaign in October, and Chelle will be hoping both midfielders recover in time as the team looks to strengthen its position in Group C, which also includes South Africa, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe.
