Club Brugge head coach reacts to Onyedika substitution scuffle

3 hours ago 3 hours ago

Club Brugge Head Coach Speaks Out on Heated Onyedika Substitution Incident

by Lifeinlagos 3 hours ago3 hours ago

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Raphael Onyedika, the talented midfielder for both the Super Eagles and Club Brugge, has been attracting significant attention across Europe this season, according to Soccernet.ng.

Despite his impressive displays, Onyedika recently found himself in the spotlight for less favorable reasons. The 24-year-old featured prominently for 81 minutes in Club Brugge’s commanding 4-0 victory over Monaco in the UEFA Champions League last week.

However, his substitution with just nine minutes remaining sparked controversy. When 21-year-old Lynt Audoor came on to replace him, Onyedika’s reaction was noticeably displeased-he refused to exchange a handshake with his substitute, visibly showing his frustration.

club-world-cup-knockout-clash-was-suspended-for-over-2-hours/” title=”Why Chelsea vs Benfica … World Cup Knockout Clash Was Suspended for Over 2 Hours”>match between Club Brugge KV and Cercle Brugge on September 2, 2022 in Brugge, Belgium” width=”1024″ height=”683″ />

Sylla Abakar, Raphael Onyedika, and Audoor Lynnt celebrate after the Jupiler Pro League match between Club Brugge KV and Cercle Brugge on September 2, 2022, in Brugge, Belgium. [Photo Credit/ Imago]

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Coach Nicky Hayen Addresses Onyedika’s Reaction

Following the incident, Onyedika returned to the starting lineup and completed a full 90 minutes in Club Brugge’s 2-0 triumph over St Truiden last weekend. Head coach Nicky Hayen downplayed the substitution episode, describing it as a fleeting moment of emotion.

“That moment was quickly put behind us. Onyedika delivered an outstanding performance against Monaco and even found the back of the net,” Hayen told Walfoot.

“He played a crucial role-precise passing, smart in challenges, and always pushing the play forward. That’s exactly the kind of player we need on the pitch.”

Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match — Raphael Onyedika scores his team’s opening goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 group stage match. [Photo Credit/ Imago]

“It was much ado about nothing. We addressed it immediately. To me, it was just a simple misunderstanding,” the Belgian manager added.

“Right after the match, he was already in high spirits in the dressing room. Onyedika is a humble and grounded individual,” Hayen concluded.

Transfer rumors have linked Onyedika with clubs like Galatasaray and Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite the player reportedly agreeing to terms with Galatasaray, neither club has met Club Brugge’s valuation of €25 million.