UEFA Champions League: Raphael Onyedika returns for Club Brugge clash

Nigeria national team midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been named in Belgium pro side Club Brugge’s squad for the crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Olympic Marseille.

Six hours to go. Let’s make it a European night to remember. ✨ pic.twitter.com/hSKDHqkbfC

— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) January 28, 2026

Onyedika, who returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty early last week, missed last week’s clash with Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan due to a muscle injury.

With Club Brugge targeting a place in the knockout round of the Champions League they named the defensive midfielder in the squad list.

The Belgian Pro League side currently occupy 27th position on the overall table.

Nigeria national team midfielder Raphael Onyedika has been included in Club Brugge’s squad for their crucial UEFA Champions League encounter against Olympique Marseille, a fixture that could prove decisive in the Belgian club’s European campaign.

The Belgian Pro League side confirmed the squad selection ahead of the highly anticipated clash, with Club Brugge building momentum for what they hope will be a memorable European night. The inclusion of Onyedika comes as a significant boost for the Bruges-based outfit, especially given the midfielder’s recent injury concerns and his importance to the team’s tactical structure.

Return from AFCON and injury setback

Onyedika only returned to Belgium early last week after representing Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His international duty, combined with travel fatigue, initially raised questions about his availability for domestic and continental fixtures.

Those concerns were compounded when the defensive midfielder missed last week’s Champions League match against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan after picking up a muscle injury. His absence was felt in midfield as Club Brugge struggled to impose control in a demanding away environment.

However, following medical assessments and monitored training sessions, the club’s technical staff have deemed the 24-year-old fit enough to be included in the matchday squad against Marseille.

A key figure in Club Brugge’s midfield

Raphael Onyedika has grown into a central figure for Club Brugge since joining the club, particularly in high-intensity matches that demand tactical discipline and physical presence. Operating primarily as a defensive midfielder, the Nigerian international offers ball-winning ability, positional awareness, and protection for the back line.

His ability to break up opposition attacks and initiate transitions from defence to attack makes him especially valuable in European competition, where midfield battles often dictate the outcome of matches.

Against a technically strong Marseille side, Onyedika’s presence could prove vital in neutralising threats and providing balance in the centre of the pitch.

High stakes in the Champions League

With the Champions League group stage entering a decisive phase, Club Brugge are firmly focused on reaching the knockout rounds. Every point now carries significant weight, and squad selection has become increasingly strategic.

The Belgian champions currently sit 27th on the overall Champions League table, a position that leaves little margin for error. Victory against Marseille would not only boost their points tally but also strengthen their chances of advancing to the next stage of the competition.

Marseille, meanwhile, are known for their intensity, pace, and attacking depth, making this encounter one of the toughest tests Club Brugge face in the group.

Managing workload after international duty

Onyedika’s inclusion also reflects careful workload management by the Club Brugge medical and technical teams. Returning from AFCON often presents challenges for African players, including fatigue, muscle strain, and limited recovery time.

The midfielder’s muscle injury forced the club to adopt a cautious approach, prioritising long-term fitness over short-term risk. His return to the squad suggests that he has responded well to treatment and rehabilitation, although it remains unclear whether he will start or be introduced later in the match.