Raphael Onyedika returned to action but couldn’t prevent Club Brugge from falling to a 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League encounter.
The Nigeria international passed a late fitness test after missing last weekend’s trip to KAA Gent due to a thigh injury sustained against Standard Liège on February 23.
Fast Start, Late Collapse
Leon Bailey fired Aston Villa ahead inside three minutes, but Club Brugge responded quickly, with Maxim De Cuyper equalizing nine minutes later. However, the Belgian side crumbled in the closing stages.
An own goal by Brandon Mechele and a late Marco Asensio penalty sealed the victory for Aston Villa, putting them in a commanding position ahead of the return leg at Villa Park on March 12.
Onyedika’s Performance & Reaction
Onyedika, who has been a regular for Club Brugge in the Champions League, was substituted in stoppage time for Hugo Vetlesen.
Speaking after the game, the 23-year-old acknowledged the uphill task ahead but refused to rule out a comeback.
“It was a tough conclusion for us. The result was heading in the right direction, so it was tough for us at the end,” Onyedika told UEFA.
“In this competition, you have to be at your best. You have to be ready, every action, every match. We’ve been working for this for months. We play our game, and we did our best.
Today’s result makes it difficult for us. But never say never. We have to believe in it. You never know what can happen.”
Super Eagles Call-Up
Onyedika has been named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for this month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
With Nigeria struggling in their qualification campaign, his presence could be vital as the Super Eagles look to turn things around.
His return to action is a timely boost, as head coach Eric Chelle looks to assemble his strongest squad for the must-win World Cup qualifiers.
With the Super Eagles in desperate need of victories, Onyedika could play a key role in stabilizing the midfield as they fight to revive their qualification campaign.
