Nigeria’s Super Eagles face an early challenge ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign as midfielder Raphael Onyedika suffered an injury during Club Brugge’s thrilling 5-5 draw against Westerlo.
The 24-year-old was forced off the pitch just 16 minutes into the match, reportedly due to a hamstring strain, raising concerns about his availability for both club and country.
While Club Brugge has yet to release an official update, several sources indicate that Onyedika could be sidelined for approximately six weeks.
INJURY UPDATES FOR SUPER EAGLES PLAYERS;
– Fisayo Dele-Bashiru expected to miss around a month with a thigh injury.
– Raphael Onyedika out for six weeks due to a hamstring issue.Both may be unavailable for key World Cup qualifying fixtures.
– POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) September 26, 2025
Onyedika’s injury represents a significant setback for coach Eric Chelle, as the midfielder has become a vital component of Nigeria’s squad.
His participation in the upcoming qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic is now uncertain, pending further medical evaluation to assess the severity of the damage.
In light of this, Chelle must explore alternative midfield options to maintain the team’s competitive edge in the World Cup qualifiers.
Three Midfield Alternatives for the Super Eagles
1. Wilfred Ndidi
As Nigeria’s most seasoned defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi remains the cornerstone of the team’s midfield. Onyedika has often been viewed as a deputy to Ndidi, but with the Brugge star sidelined, Ndidi’s role becomes even more pivotal.
Ndidi’s expertise in disrupting opposition attacks and shielding the defense will be crucial against challenging opponents during the qualifiers. Chelle might also consider pairing him with a more dynamic midfielder to blend defensive stability with offensive thrust.
2. Frank Onyeka
Frank Onyeka of Brentford offers another dependable midfield option. The Super Eagles have previously relied on Onyeka when Ndidi was unavailable, and he has consistently performed well in high-stakes matches.
Known for his box-to-box style, Onyeka combines defensive resilience with forward surges, injecting energy and relentless pressing that can disrupt opposing midfielders. Although not as defensively specialized as Ndidi, he remains a valuable asset for Chelle’s squad.
3. Alhassan Yusuf
Relatively new to the senior national team with eight caps, Alhassan Yusuf has shown promise when called upon. The 25-year-old impresses with his tenacity in ball recovery and impressive endurance, making him a strong candidate to step up if Onyedika is unavailable.
Though he lacks the extensive experience of Ndidi and Onyeka, Yusuf’s potential to thrive under Chelle’s mentorship could prove invaluable in maintaining midfield solidity.
While the Super Eagles await the results of Onyedika’s medical scans with hope, the presence of capable alternatives ensures that Nigeria’s midfield remains robust and competitive for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
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